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[[Image:GBD-00088.png|thumb]] | [[Image:GBD-00088.png|thumb]] | ||
== A history of GBD == | |||
In 1850 three gentlemen got together in Paris to establish a firm dedicated to the fabrication of Meerschaum pipes – a courageous step in politically restless times. '''G'''anneval probably came from the area of [[Saint-Claude]] where he had learned making wooden pipes. '''B'''ondier's family obviously came from Paris and had emigrated in 1789 to Geneva. He himself had worked as a wood turner in the clay and china pipe industry in and around Saint-Claude making stem extensions etc. '''D'''onninger was an Austrian or Swiss and had worked in Vienna, the world's center of the Meerschaum pipe. They agreed on the acronym '''GBD''' selecting the initials of their surnames. Bondier survived his partners for nearly 30 years. Their places were taken by others. Hence the property of GBD and therewith the company's official name changed several times. | In 1850 three gentlemen got together in Paris to establish a firm dedicated to the fabrication of Meerschaum pipes – a courageous step in politically restless times. '''G'''anneval probably came from the area of [[Saint-Claude]] where he had learned making wooden pipes. '''B'''ondier's family obviously came from Paris and had emigrated in 1789 to Geneva. He himself had worked as a wood turner in the clay and china pipe industry in and around Saint-Claude making stem extensions etc. '''D'''onninger was an Austrian or Swiss and had worked in Vienna, the world's center of the Meerschaum pipe. They agreed on the acronym '''GBD''' selecting the initials of their surnames. Bondier survived his partners for nearly 30 years. Their places were taken by others. Hence the property of GBD and therewith the company's official name changed several times. | ||
* Ganneval, Bondier & Donninger | * Ganneval, Bondier & Donninger | ||
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Other brands of this time were marketed with even larger independence. The '''[[Dr. Plumb's]]''' had been developed by the Parisian sales manager J.B. Rubinovich in 1925 when GBD France needed “a cheap line of pipes" especially for the Canadian market. In fact, the new brand was nicknamed for Mr. Rubinovich’s secretary Leslie W. Plumb, whose most important business was "to doctor figure" the ledgers. Dr. Plumb’s made their way not only in Canada. - The '''Peter Piper''', as well as the Dr. Plumb’s produced in Saint-Claude, is another great example that stampings like "London made" or "London England" are not always totally trustworthy also on older pipes! Not only today numberless brands are made in Saint-Claude and stamped with whatever the buyer wants to be stamped... | Other brands of this time were marketed with even larger independence. The '''[[Dr. Plumb's]]''' had been developed by the Parisian sales manager J.B. Rubinovich in 1925 when GBD France needed “a cheap line of pipes" especially for the Canadian market. In fact, the new brand was nicknamed for Mr. Rubinovich’s secretary Leslie W. Plumb, whose most important business was "to doctor figure" the ledgers. Dr. Plumb’s made their way not only in Canada. - The '''Peter Piper''', as well as the Dr. Plumb’s produced in Saint-Claude, is another great example that stampings like "London made" or "London England" are not always totally trustworthy also on older pipes! Not only today numberless brands are made in Saint-Claude and stamped with whatever the buyer wants to be stamped... | ||
== Galleries == | |||
<gallery mode="packed-hover" widths=300 heights=200> | <gallery mode="packed-hover" widths=300 heights=200> | ||
Fleur de Lis.jpg|Courtesy Doug Valitchka | Fleur de Lis.jpg|Courtesy Doug Valitchka | ||
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== Circa 1973 chart of lines == | == Circa 1973 chart of lines == | ||
'''Virgin''': "Only the finest of closely grained briar is utilized for this exceptional pipe. Natural finish" | '''Virgin''': "Only the finest of closely grained briar is utilized for this exceptional pipe. Natural finish" | ||
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== Dating GBDs == | == Dating GBDs == | ||
''The following is from an A.S.P post by G.L. Pease dated 1996/05/18, and used by permission'' | ''The following is from an A.S.P post by G.L. Pease dated 1996/05/18, and used by permission'' | ||
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== Current Production == | == Current Production == | ||
Current GBD [http://www.oppenheimers.co.uk/gbd.htm website]. GBD is now made by [[Cadogan]], who also make [[Comoy]] of London, [[Dr. Plumb's]] Perfect Pipes, [[BBB]], and [[Orlik]] Pipes. [http://www.oppenheimers.co.uk/]. Since the merger in 1981 with Comoys, GBD pipes are not considered to be of the quality they were under the original companies. Metal rondelles were discontinued after the merger with Comoy. The brass rondell made a reappearance on new production GBD's. The new lines are Autumn Gold, Bermuda, Facet, Pub and CW (Churchwarden). | Current GBD [http://www.oppenheimers.co.uk/gbd.htm website]. GBD is now made by [[Cadogan]], who also make [[Comoy]] of London, [[Dr. Plumb's]] Perfect Pipes, [[BBB]], and [[Orlik]] Pipes. [http://www.oppenheimers.co.uk/]. Since the merger in 1981 with Comoys, GBD pipes are not considered to be of the quality they were under the original companies. Metal rondelles were discontinued after the merger with Comoy. The brass rondell made a reappearance on new production GBD's. The new lines are Autumn Gold, Bermuda, Facet, Pub and CW (Churchwarden). | ||
== Contact Information == | == Contact Information == | ||
E-mail: mailto:cad@oppenheimers.co.uk | E-mail: mailto:cad@oppenheimers.co.uk | ||
Tel: 08708 722 754 / 08708 722 755 Fax: 08708 722 750 (Trade customers only) | Tel: 08708 722 754 / 08708 722 755 Fax: 08708 722 750 (Trade customers only) | ||
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== Onsite links == | == Onsite links == | ||
* [https://pipedia.org/images/2/2f/1950s%3FGBDcatalog.pdf Wonderful Circa 1950 GBD featured Oppenheimer Pipes Catalog] | * [https://pipedia.org/images/2/2f/1950s%3FGBDcatalog.pdf Wonderful Circa 1950 GBD featured Oppenheimer Pipes Catalog] | ||
* [[GBD Shapes/Numbers]] | * [[GBD Shapes/Numbers]] | ||
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== Offsite links == | == Offsite links == | ||
This site has some excellent [http://www.perardua.net/pipes/GBDlines.html GBD Model Information] | This site has some excellent [http://www.perardua.net/pipes/GBDlines.html GBD Model Information] | ||
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== Translations == | == Translations == | ||
'''NEW''' French Version '''[[GBD.fr]]'''. '''''Many thanks to Jean-Christophe Bienfait for his translation''''' | '''NEW''' French Version '''[[GBD.fr]]'''. '''''Many thanks to Jean-Christophe Bienfait for his translation''''' | ||