GBD: Difference between revisions

[[File:GBD-MRC.jpg|thumb|GBD Pipe with "MRC" band, Marechal Ruchon & Cie, courtesy [http://www.racineandlaramie.com/ Racine & Laramie Tobacconist]]]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.

[[Image:D 1.jpg|thumb|right|GBD STANDARD 1086 St.Claude  Сollection Yuriy Novikov]]

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...