GBD (Pre-1980s) Prehistoric Collector 9636 Sandblasted Cauldron with Perspex (Estate)

GBD was one of several prominent examples of a French pipe brand that, due to certain circumstances, ultimately became one of the standard bearers of classic “British” pipes. Founded in 1850 by the French trio Ganneval, Bondier & Donninger, the brand was bought by English company Oppenheimer at the beginning of the 20th century, who opened factories in London and Paris to meet an increasing demand for the make’s high-quality and highly desirable pipes. Partly owing to the make’s inventive, yet traditional shapes, and partly due to the high standards of their production, GBD pipes are particularly coveted by collectors, as well as those who simply appreciate classic, well-made smoking instruments.

There are certain symbols that have come to be associated with certain pipe brands, like a white spot and Dunhill pipes. There are certain shapes that have similarly come to be associated with certain pipe brands, like Stanwell and the Peewit. And, in some rare cases, there are certain materials that have come to be associated with certain pipe brands. In the latter example, one of the most famous is, strangely enough, perspex, and the brand it is associated with is GBD. Perspex is essentially a plastic developed in the early 20th century, with a whole variety of different applications. In the pipe world, however, it was something popularized by GBD, coming to define the aesthetic of their mid-century output.

Here we find it used on one of GBD’s oversized Collector shapes, the “9636” employing a cauldron-like brandy motif that also served as a motif of sorts in GBD’s 20th century output. As for dating, judging by the nomenclature, this looks to be a pre-1980s, pre-Cadogan GBD, made before GBD, along with a host of other classic English makes, were consolidated and had production moved under one roof by their holding company, Cadogan Investments Ltd.

The condition is good. Some inner rim darkening, minor finish fading, and slight tooth chatter.

Details:

Length: 6.1″ / 154.9mm

Bowl Width: 0.98 / 24.89mm

Bowl Depth: 1.62″ / 41.14mm

Weight: 1.5oz / 44g