GBD Pre-1980s Prehistoric Collector 9640 Sandblasted Paneled Lumberman Pot Estate Briar Pipe, English Estates

Description

GBD was one of several prominent examples of a French pipe brand that, due to certain circumstances, became a maker most associated with 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.

GBD’s oversized pipes were sorted into three main groups: the Conquest was the first rung on the oversized ladder; the Collector was even larger than the Conquest; and the Colossus was larger than the Conquest. This particular GBD, for example, is one of the make’s Colossus models, the shape 9640. As with so many GBDs, the size is almost an afterthought relative to the uniqueness of the design, given the sheer number of shapes in GBD’s portfolio, and the overwhelming tendency toward hybridization among them. As a cross between the pot, the panel, and the lumberman, this 9640 is certainly very different to most Anglo-French designs, despite essentially simply borrowing elements from more established ones. I suppose that’s what’s meant when they say that the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. As for dating, the nomenclature and stem inlay would indicate this as being a pre-1980s, pre-Cadogan Investments merger make.

The condition is good. Some inner rim darkening and minor finish fading.

Details:

Length: 6.5″ / 165.1mm

Bowl Width: 0.99 / 25.14mm

Bowl Depth: 1.40″ / 35.56mm

Weight: 1.9oz / 54g