GBD (Pre-1980s) Virgin Conquest 9698 Smooth Panel Shank Lumberman with Perspex (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.

GBD’s Virgin was one of the make’s most renowned smooth finishes, featuring excellent grain, a light stain, and no fills. As such, they were—and to repeat the sentiment of one Pipedia editor I’ve always liked— “for many years the perfect GBD.”

In the case of this one, there are a few other things going on that will surely add to that perfection, especially for collectors of English pipes. First of all, it’s an oversized GBD, from the make’s Conquest series; second, it’s fitted with one of GBD’s signature perspex mouthpieces; and third, it is, based on the nomenclature, a pre-1980s, “pre-Cadogan” piece, made before GBD’s production was merged with many other Anglo-French makes in the late 20th century.

The condition is fair. Some inner rim charring, minor handling marks, and slight tooth marks.

Details:

Length: 6″ / 152.4mm

Bowl Width: 0.90 / 22.86mm

Bowl Depth: 1.71″ / 43.43mm

Weight: 2.0oz / 58g