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GBD: Difference between revisions
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[[File:GBD CityDeLuxe 1932.jpg|thumb|1932 Ad, courtesy Doug Valitchka]] | |||
Deutsche Version siehe '''[[GBD.de]]''' | Deutsche Version siehe '''[[GBD.de]]''' | ||
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At that time the prices for pipes were primarily diversified by the materials used for the stems and their extansions and the number and the styling of silver or gold bandages. Amber, horn, ivory and quill were used widely before around the end of the 1870's Vulcanite was used more frequently. The better clientele appreciated costly manufactured tailor-made cases. A survey dating from 1886 shows basic program of 125 shapes, including 12 Billiard, 36 Bent and 46 Dublin (or similar) shapes. Many of them displayed a "hoof" to allow the pipe to sit on plain surfaces. These program formed the kernel of GBD's splendid presentation at the Amsterdam World's Fair 1888. A distinguishing mark of the GBDs were the slim shanks. | At that time the prices for pipes were primarily diversified by the materials used for the stems and their extansions and the number and the styling of silver or gold bandages. Amber, horn, ivory and quill were used widely before around the end of the 1870's Vulcanite was used more frequently. The better clientele appreciated costly manufactured tailor-made cases. A survey dating from 1886 shows basic program of 125 shapes, including 12 Billiard, 36 Bent and 46 Dublin (or similar) shapes. Many of them displayed a "hoof" to allow the pipe to sit on plain surfaces. These program formed the kernel of GBD's splendid presentation at the Amsterdam World's Fair 1888. A distinguishing mark of the GBDs were the slim shanks. | ||
[[Image:GBD9242NS.jpg|thumb|right|New Standard, bent Rhodesian (#9242) shape, courtesy G.L.Pease Collection]] | [[Image:GBD9242NS.jpg|thumb|right|New Standard, bent Rhodesian (#9242) shape, courtesy G.L.Pease Collection]][[Image:GBD1.jpg|thumb|GBD Estate Pipe Virgin Bent Billiard 508 from [http://www.smokershaven.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWCATS&Category=310 Smoker's Haven]]][[Image:GBD3.jpg|thumb|GBD Estate Pipe Unique Magnum Sized Bent Champaigne Sitter from [http://www.smokershaven.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWCATS&Category=310 Smoker's Haven]]] | ||
Early GBDs were made only in one single grade concerning the wood’s quality, later supplemented by a second one, and there was only a very limited number of finishes. But toward the end of the 19th century, the demand changed. For example the Britons preferred darker stainings. More differentiated customer’s wishes made the introduction of additional markings necessary. GBD Xtra and GBD Special were very early models who’s names indicated special final treatments and / or fitments. The standard quality was stamped simply with GBD. | Early GBDs were made only in one single grade concerning the wood’s quality, later supplemented by a second one, and there was only a very limited number of finishes. But toward the end of the 19th century, the demand changed. For example the Britons preferred darker stainings. More differentiated customer’s wishes made the introduction of additional markings necessary. GBD Xtra and GBD Special were very early models who’s names indicated special final treatments and / or fitments. The standard quality was stamped simply with GBD. | ||
At the end of the 19th century GBD offered 1,500 models(!). (Please note however, that the same shape offered with three different materials for the stems was counted thrice!) In the first decade of the 20th century stems made of amber and synthetic amber were still widely used, but Vulcanite and horn had become the most popular materials. A further sign of the times were army mount pipes which were available meanwhile in 30 different shapes of inceasing popularity. The winner of the day was the Billiard (36 shapes now), along with 36 Bents and 32 Dublins / Zulus. Best newcomer was the Bulldog (15). The hoofs were almost out of fashion. | At the end of the 19th century GBD offered 1,500 models(!). (Please note however, that the same shape offered with three different materials for the stems was counted thrice!) In the first decade of the 20th century stems made of amber and synthetic amber were still widely used, but Vulcanite and horn had become the most popular materials. A further sign of the times were army mount pipes which were available meanwhile in 30 different shapes of inceasing popularity. The winner of the day was the Billiard (36 shapes now), along with 36 Bents and 32 Dublins / Zulus. Best newcomer was the Bulldog (15). The hoofs were almost out of fashion. | ||
There is a very simple explanation for GBD's program to turn more "British": GBD became a British company soon after the turn of the century! In 1902 Marechal and Ruchon sold GBD to '''A. Oppenheimer & Co.''' in London. Charles Oppenheimer had founded this successful trade business in 1860 as an import-/export house. His brothers David and Adolphe and brother-in-law Louis Adler soon joined him. Adolphe took over when Charles went to Germany as British ambassador. Briar pipes were among the first products traded. The business relation to GBD in Paris began as early as 1870. Being the most important customer in the English speaking world, Oppenheimer & Co. were designated as sole distributor for Great Britain, the USA and Canada in 1897. Especially Adolphe Oppenheimer had a burning interest in the pipe business, and Louis' son James Adler shared that. He should play the most important role in the amicable merger of GBD. A. Marechal, Ruchon and Cie. in Paris was now '''Marechal, Ruchon & Co. Ltd.''' - a British firm with four directors: Adolphe Oppenheimer and James Adler had their seat in the head office in London while Auguste Marechal and Ferdinand Ruchon went on leading the GBD factory in the Rue des Balkan in Paris, which was considerably extended and modernised. Ruchon acted as CEO. | |||
[[Image:885-88.png|380px|thumb|left|GBD SPECIALE<br>Courtesy Yuriy Novikov]] | [[Image:885-88.png|380px|thumb|left|GBD SPECIALE<br>Courtesy Yuriy Novikov]] | ||
[[Image:gbdProdsg2.jpg|380px|thumb|left|GBD Prodigy Super Grain, London England<br>courtesy Dennis Dreyer Collection]][[File:Fleur de Lis.jpg|thumb|Courtesy Doug Valitchka]] | [[Image:gbdProdsg2.jpg|380px|thumb|left|GBD Prodigy Super Grain, London England<br>courtesy Dennis Dreyer Collection]][[File:Fleur de Lis.jpg|thumb|Courtesy Doug Valitchka]] | ||