GBD (Pre-1980s) Rosé Collector 9697 R Smooth Brandy Estate Briar Pipe, English Estates

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.

The Rosé was a relatively late addition to GBD’s catalog, one distinguished by a reddish contrast finish evocative of its namesake swirling in a glass. This one takes the rather fitting form of GBD’s “9697,” an oversized shape from the Collector range that looks like it could just as easily hold one’s favorite tipple as it could one’s favorite blend. Judging by the nomenclature and stem inlay, this looks to be a pre-1980s, and thus pre-Cadogan Investments merger make, which should make it all the more collectible.

The condition is fair. Some inner rim darkening, finish fading, minor handling marks, and stem slightly over-buffed at the base.

Details:

Length: 5.9″ / 149.8mm

Bowl Width: 0.93 / 23.62mm

Bowl Depth: 1.67″ / 42.41mm

Weight: 2.1oz / 60g