GBD Pre-1980s Rose Colossus 1768 Smooth Brandy 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.

The Rosé was a relatively late addition to GBD’s catalog. As the name suggests, it wore a light reddish finish evocative of its namesake and, in the case of some Rosé models, such pipes were fitted with a rather appropriate, glassy perspex mouthpiece. This is an example of the latter, taking the form of a decidedly stout, oversized brandy rendition, placing among GBD’s largest (by midcentury standards) “Colossus” pipes. Though it did not appear in GBD’s output until the later 20th century, the Rosé was, nonetheless, a pre-1980s, pre-Cadogan Investments merger creation. This one’s nomenclature and stem inlay places it before that transition, for example.

The condition is good. Some inner rim charring and some very slight, superficial scratches on the bowl.

Details:

Length: 5.8″ / 147.3mm

Bowl Width: 0.82 / 20.82mm

Bowl Depth: 1.64″ / 41.65mm

Weight: 2.3oz / 66g