GBD Pre-1980s Tapestry Collector 9681 Partially Sandblasted Volcano w/ Perspex 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 “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. This one takes the form of an oversized volcano sitter from GBD’s Collector series, blending craggy ring grain and bird’s-eye patterns and, as a cherry on top, having one of the make’s signature perspex mouthpieces. Speaking of collectors, GBD fans will be pleased to know that this is a pre-1980s, pre-Cadogan Investments merger piece, based on the nomenclature and stem inlay. In other words, it was made before GBD, along with a host of other classic English makes, were consolidated and had production moved under one roof by their holding company, Cadogan Investments Ltd.

The condition is good. Minor finish fading, some inner rim darkening, and chamber slightly over-reamed.

Details:

Length: 6.2″ / 157.4mm

Bowl Width: 0.89 / 21.33mm

Bowl Depth: 1.65″ / 22.60mm

Weight: 2.2oz / 64g