GBD Pre-1980s Virgin 2007 Smooth Bulldog Estate Briar Pipe, Unsmoked

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.

GBD’s Virgin was one of the make’s most renowned smooth finishes, featuring excellent grain, a light stain, and no fills, making them, in the words of one Pipedia editor, “for many years the perfect GBD.” In the case of this one, I’m inclined to agree. Taking the form of a very traditional tapered bulldog rendition, the grain is indeed very lovely, and the pipe even features the rare addition of a hand-cut, rather than pre-molded, vulcanite stem. Based on the nomenclature, this will be a pre-1980s, pre-Cadogan Investments merger make. The perfect GBD indeed.

This pipe is completely unsmoked and comes with its original sleeve.

Details:

Length: 5.9″ / 149.8mm

Bowl Width: 0.79 / 20.06mm

Bowl Depth: 1.47″ / 37.33mm

Weight: 1.3oz / 38g