GBD Pre-1980s Prehistoric Conquest 9647 Sandblasted Lumberman 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 came in three main sizes: the Conquest, the Collector, and the Colossus. This Prehistoric is an example of the first step up on that ladder. Taking the form of an interesting Dublin and Lumberman hybrid, it’s a sizeable pipe, with a good, large chamber, while still being very manageable in proportions—even managing to stay under one and a half ounces in weight. Dressed in the make’s classic Prehistoric sandblast finish, this Conquest would appear to be a pre-1980s, pre-Cadogan Investments merger piece, based on the brass GBD stem inlay, which is a nice additional bonus to its stature.

The condition is good. Some darkening and general wear to the inner rim, and minor tooth chatter.

Details:

Length: 6.2″ / 157.4mm

Bowl Width: 0.98 / 24.89mm

Bowl Depth: 1.96″ / 49.78mm

Weight: 1.4oz / 42g