GBD (Pre-1980s) Unique A1 Smooth Panel Opera (Estate)

GBD was one of several prominent examples of a French pipe brand that, due to certain circumstances, ultimately became one of the standard bearers of 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.

While GBD is known as one of the great pipes makes in the Anglo-French tradition, there is one GBD line that became particularly coveted by smokers and collectors, despite breaking with that tradition almost entirely. This line is, of course, the GBD Unique, each of which was—as the name suggests—wholly distinct in design and unlike anything on a classical shape chart. These pipes were instead carved freehand, allowing for more modern compositions, but they were also predominantly carved by Horry Jamieson, a veteran English pipe-maker who had spent years working for GBD, and for Barling before that.

In the case of this one, “Unique” might well be an understatement. Viewed in profile, it is certainly unusual, with a paneled, gemstone-like figure and hawkbill curvature running from the base of the bowl to the button of the mouthpiece. A closer inspection, however, reveals that the pipe is essentially an opera, with a decidedly narrow frame and elliptical chamber.

On a side note, the nomenclature and brass “GBD” stem inlay indicate this to be a pre-1980s, pre-Cadogan Investments merger make.

The condition is good. Some inner rim darkening and some scratches on the bowl.

Details:

Length: 6.7″ / 170.1mm

Bowl Width (Lengthwise): 1.18 / 29.97mm

Bowl Depth: 1.46″ / 37.08mm

Weight: 1.7oz / 50g