GBD Pre-1980s Virgin Collector 9557 Smooth Poker 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.

GBD’s oversized pipes were sorted into three main groups: the Conquest was the first rung on the oversized ladder; the Collector was even larger than the Conquest; and the Colossus was larger than the Conquest. However, as these designations were also tied to specific GBD shapes, certain oversized pipes within a group could be much larger than others within that same group. The 9557, for example, was larger than certain Colossus models, taking the form of a towering poker Dublin hybrid. Based on the nomenclature and inlaid “GBD” rondelle, this one will be a pre-1980s, pre-Cadogan Investments merger make.

The condition is fair. Rim darkening, handling marks, and slightly faded (though legible) nomenclature.

Details:

Length: 6.2″ / 157.4mm

Bowl Width: 0.94 / 23.87mm

Bowl Depth: 1.91″ / 48.51mm

Weight: 1.6oz / 48g