Here we have a beautiful freehand GBD pipe, the grain on this pipe is absolutely stunning!!! The pipe comes in a large flip case box.
About GBD
GBD pipes started as meerschaum pipe makers in 1850, in Paris. Formed by 3 skilled pipe makers Ganneval a briar pipe maker from St Claude. Bondier’s family worked making clay pipes and extensions, also around the St Claude area. While Donninger hailing from Austria, knew all about meerschaum and held the contacts for raw material and sales. The three worked together carving traditional shapes and sold there pipes under the GBD name. An acronym formed from the 3 first letters of their names. The partnership broke and throughout the 19th century, the team changed 4 times, but still continued the with the initial name.
GBD were quick to notice how good briar was a pipe making material and during the boom in St Claude, set up a rival factory in Paris. In the late 19th century, GBD produced over 125 different shapes and won numerous awards for their high quality pipes. With all the different finishes, over 1,500 different pipes could be sold all over the world.
In 1902 the GBD company was brought by A. Oppenheimer & Co, a London based importer and exporter. Around the same time Oppenheimer was opening one of the largest factories in St Claude and also one in London. The two factories ran side by side, selling into different markets. Production slowed down in France and by the end the early 1980’s almost all GBD pipes were produced in the London factory. Where they are still made to this day
Pipe Details
Pipe Material : Briar
Shape : Bent Billiard
Finish : Smooth
Colour : Golden
Mouthpiece : Vulcanite (Fishtail)
Filter : None
Dimensions
Pipe Length : 147mm
Pipe Height : 55 mm
Pipe Width : 50mm
Chamber Width : 22mm
Pipe Weight : 55 grams