Pfeifenbox

Back...

GBD

Tier:

Country: England/France

Price: € 50+ (estates)

Production method:

Notes: The brand GBD (Ganneval, Bondier and Donninger) was founded in 1850. The pipes were originally made in Saint Claude, France, yet the firm's initial seat was in Paris. Around the turn of the century, the company was acquired by Oppenheimer and became British. But though its head office was moved to London, production mostly remained in France until the 1914/1918 war. Manufacturing was then split, with the Saint Claude facility turning bowls for factories in London and Paris. While the British branch made the majority of pipes intended for the UK, the British Empire and the USA, the Paris factory primarily served France and continental Europe. In 1952, French production was concentrated in Saint Claude until it ceased entirely.

Since around 1980, all GBDs have been made in the Cadogan group's new factory in Southend-on-Sea, along with brands such as Loewe, BBB, Comoy and Orlik. Few GBD collectors value pipes from Southend very highly, but estate prices for older GBDs have soared in recent years, largely due to the excellent smoking qualities attributed to them.

Dating GBDs is not easy. If your main concern is to distinguish between older and Southend-era pipes, one rule of the thumb says that the latter have a round 'Made in London England' stamp, whereas stamps on the former are straight. In my experience, this rule holds true, but I cannot guarantee for it. More detailed information on bygone lines can be found here: http://www.perardua.net. For more pictures of GBDs, see Greg Pease's fine collection, shown here.

The pipe shown here is in GBD's famous 'rockroot' style of rustication.

Comments: As collectibles, old, higher-grade GBDs can be expensive beyond their erstwhile place in the English pipe hierarchy. Nonetheless, a well-preserved piece usually constitutes excellent value for smokers seeking a taste of Britain's pipe heyday.

Back...