GBD Pre-1980s Varichrome 357 Smooth Prince 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 Varichrome was a rather unusual addition to GBD’s 20th century portfolio. While the company gained fame for its use of alternative stem materials, most famously perspex, in the midcentury, the Varichrome, with its non-translucent acrylic mouthpieces, was nonetheless highly distinctive. For one, Varichrome mouthpieces came in a range of different colors, with the one seen here being the “pewter” variant. But perhaps more interesting was the cut of the stem, which incorporated a step at its midsection, followed by sharp widening toward the button. It’s almost like a cross between an early Stanwell mouthpiece and a Sasieni Fantail, but with more color to it than either. This Varichrome is a lovely prince rendition, with great bird’s-eye and cross-grain grain swirling beneath its understated matte finish. As for dating, the nomenclature and stem inlay would indicate this as being a pre-1980s, pre-Cadogan Investments merger piece from the mid- to late 1970s.

The condition is good. Some darkening and general wear to the inner rim.

Details:

Length: 6.2″ / 157.4mm

Bowl Width: 0.81 / 20.57mm

Bowl Depth: 1.12″ / 28.44mm

Weight: 0.9oz / 28g