Prince of Wales by GBD, Rusticated Oom Paul Estate Briar Pipe [SOLD OUT]

Description

GBD was one of several prominent examples of a French pipe brand that, due to certain circumstances, became a maker associated with classic ‘British’ pipes. Founded in 1850 by the French trio Ganneval, Bondier & Donninger, the brand was bought and moved to London at the beginning of the 20th century, were it continued to produce high-quality and highly desirable pipes. Prince of Wales was one of its sub-brands.

This English-made Prince of Wales is a curious departure from GBD’s usual style of pipe design. It actually looks more Italian than English or French, given the pebble-dash rustication, along with the lucite, rather than ebonite, stem. From a distance, one might think Caminetto or Radice had made it, but perhaps GBD was looking to keep up with trends in modern pipe-making when it was manufactured. In any case, it’s a nice pipe; a full-bent, almost Oom-Paul style, bent billiard, with a tall, deep bowl. The choice of a fairly warm, chestnut stain also works very well with the cappuccino swirl of the lucite used for the stem.

The condition is excellent. I don’t see any significant imperfections that need highlighting.

 

Details:

Length: 5.8″

Bowl Width: 20.9mm

Bowl Depth: 2″

Weight: 2.4oz / 70g