GBD: Difference between revisions

[[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.

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.

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...

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File:GBDIntl01.jpg|GBD International

File:GBDIntl05.jpg|International Detail

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File:MARCEE DE LUXE (GBD).jpg|MARCEE DE LUXE (Marechal Ruchon & Co. Ltd)

File:MARCEE DE LUXE (GBD)2.jpg|MARCEE DE LUXE (Marechal Ruchon & Co. Ltd)

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[[Category: Pipe makers by nationality]]

[[Category:GBD]]