GBD Pre-1980s Tapestry 549 Partially Sandblasted Bulldog 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 “Tapestry” was a rather fitting name for the GBD pipes it referred to. The line was distinguished by a mixed finish, with each bowl being a “tapestry” of smooth and sandblasted sections and, thus, of differing briar patternings. In this instance it’s been applied to a classic bent bulldog, lending a certain distinction to that most traditional shape. Judging by the nomenclature and GBD stem rondelle, this will be a pre-1980s make, having been produced before GBD was consolidated with various other famous Anglo-French brands through what has come to be known as the Cadogan Investments merger.

The condition is good. Some inner rim darkening and slight handling marks. Note that this pipe comes with two mouthpieces, one being original and the other being an after-market, professionally made one (the latter being cut and inlaid so faithfully that I was unsure which was which). There’s nothing wrong with either—the previous owner simply had custom mouthpieces made for every pipe he owned. I have not factored it into the price of the pipe, so consider it a freebie.

Details:

Length: 5.4″ / 137.1mm

Bowl Width: 0.83 / 21.08mm

Bowl Depth: 1.07″ / 27.17mm

Weight: 1.1oz / 34g