GBD Prodigy Corduroy 1480 Sitter Estate Briar Pipe, English Estates

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 Prodigy pipes were limited-production, oversize variants of some of its other models – in this case, the shape 1480 Oom Paul/apple sitter hybrid. While this is by no means a magnum offering from the make, if you’ve held a standard 1480 before, it’s quite obvious that this one is a step up from the 1480’s typically diminutive stature. This GBD is also part of the Corduroy series, which I haven’t seen very often at all. The name is fitting, as the finish is a vertical rustication reminiscent of corduroy fabric. From the looks of the rondelle and the stamping, this pipe was made before 1980, i.e., before Cadogan Investments absorbed the GBD make.

The condition is good. Some minor rim darkening, and perhaps some handling marks – though that may just be the intended look.

Details:

Length: 5.5″ / 139.7mm

Bowl Width: 0.89 / 22.60mm

Bowl Depth: 1.5″ / 38.10mm

Weight: 2.2oz / 64g