GBD Model Information

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This is a work in progress, especially with regards to formatting. Please bare with us...

This GBD Model Information is the work of Jerry Hanna, which he developed for his website Perardua.net. Jerry has very kindly allowed us to adapt his work for use in this Pipedia article.

GBD Virgin Bulldogs, courtesy Jerry Hanna collection
GBD International Bulldog shape 269, courtesy Jerry Hanna collection
GBD International Bulldog shape 269, courtesy Jerry Hanna collection

Introduction

This is a listing of some of the various pipe lines manufactured by GBD, I have gathered this information from a variety of sources including posts to the "alt.smokers.pipes" usenet newsgroup, and from the book "Who made that pipe?" by Herb Wilczak and Tom Colwell. I have read and have been told that Mr. John Tolle is working on a definitive book on GBD, I am eagerly awaiting it's publication! Until then I offer this meager webpage as a source for others like myself wishing to learn more about GBD pipes.

If you have any additional models or can fill in the "?"s and especially the finish descriptions please send me the information. I am also open to suggestions on what information needs to be listed, thanks!

A brief history of GBD

The company was founded in Paris France in the 19th century by Ganeval, Boundier and Donninger who were no longer associated with the company by the turn of the century. By the time they left the GBD name was well established and thus retained. In 1903 an additional factory was built in England and ran by Oppenheimer. The Paris factory moved to Saint-Claude in 1952. Since 1981 the majority of GBD pipes come from the English factory. At about that same time GBD merged with Comoys, since then all production for both GBD and Comoy comes from a single factory. ( I wasn't kidding when I said it was brief! )

More history and addition information can be read in the main GBD article.

Note:Information on specific GBD shapes may be found here on Pipedia at GBD Shapes/Numbers or in it's original form at: http://www.perardua.net/pipes/GBDshape.html

Virgin Shape 357 from 1961 GBD Flyer, courtesy Chris Keene's Pipe Pages
New Era Shape 9435 from 1961 GBD Flyer, courtesy Chris Keene's Pipe Pages
Prehistoric Shape 9442 from 1961 GBD Flyer, courtesy Chris Keene's Pipe Pages
New Standard Shape 9447 from 1961 GBD Flyer, courtesy Chris Keene's Pipe Pages
French Speciale and Sablee Shapes from 1961 GBD Flyer, courtesy Chris Keene's Pipe Pages

Notes on the listings

  • The first list below is of GBD firsts, i.e. stamped GBD.
  • Below that is a list of 2nds or pipes not stamped GBD, there may be lines misidentified as 2nds which may be firsts and vice-versa.
  • These lists are presented in alphabetical order with no emphasis on quality rankings. Near the bottom of the page is some information about quality ranking.
  • GBD pipes were manufactured both in England and France ( E/F ), some lines were possibly produced in both locations.
  • Incomplete/unknown information is represented by a "?"
  • Descriptive info received from others noted with their initials.
  • This information is guaranteed inaccurate and incomplete! :-)
  • Corrections, updates and additional information gladly accepted!
  • 02/19/00 - I've recently acquired a small collection of Oppenheimer GBD catalogs from the 70s & 80s and will be adding a lot of additional info to the page as time allows. It is apparent from studying these catalogs that certain lines might be considered a "first" or a "second" depending on the year of production, a line might carry the GBD logo one year and the next year be marketed as a "stand alone" line. It's also apparent some lines change over time, an example would be pipes in the Penthouse line were originally a "charcoal gray" finish but later were produced with a "tobacco brown" stain.
    • As I add descriptive info from these catalogs I will mark that info with a "-catalog". It's often interesting and amusing to read some of the prose used.
    • The catalogs refer to various finishes including one called "take off" a dual tone staining technique that darkens just the softer part of the grain creating a higher contrast.
    • If anyone out there would like to donate or loan me additional GBD catalogs please let me know.
    • I have deleted the two date columns from the line tables, it's very apparent that there is not a lot of date documentation available. Any date info I do come across will be added to the description column.
  • 02/26/00 - added info from 1980 Oppenheimer GBD catalog.
  • 03/04/00 - added info from 1981 Oppenheimer GBD catalog. Catalog format changed in 1981, not as much text as previous catalogs but nicer photos.

List of GBD Models

Line name E F Info/Finish Description

  • Ambassador -- England, unknown if also made in France: -
  • Baronet -- England, unknown if also made in France: Medium dark stain. -catalog ( 1981 )
  • Bronze Velvet -- Factory unknown: Natural finish, swirled bronze acrylic bit. Our ultimate GBD! Only the choicest natural bowls are selected for this premium newcomer. The crowning touch is the handcut mottled Bronze Velvet mouthpiece blending in complementary contrast to the bowl." -catalog ( 1976 )
  • Cavalry -- England? France: Lower priced GBD. Leather wrapped. -catalog ( 1976 )
  • Celebrity -- England, unknown if also made in France: "A deep toned finish geared to the nation's popular price bracket." -catalog ( 1980 )
  • Century -- England, unknown if also made in France: Introduced 1950
  • Century Matt -- England, unknown if also made in France: Introduced 1950
  • Champion -- Factory unknown: Introduced 1981. Natural finish "premium" briar -catalog ( 1981 )
  • Chevreuse -- France: natural smooth -FF
  • Concorde -- France, unknown if also made in England: Lower priced GBD, "take off" brown/black stained sandblast. -catalog ( 1976 )
  • Corinthian -- Factory unknown: -
  • Coronet -- France, unknown if also made in England: Lower priced GBD, "take off" brown/black stained matt finish with "recessed platform" mouthpieces. -catalog ( 1976 ) These low cost pipes were possibly not always produced in normal GBD shapes.
  • Corsair -- France, unknown of also made in England: -
  • Decor -- Factory unknown: Introduced 1981. Dark "take off" stain, smooth finish. White Acrylic ferrule ring. Swirled acrylic bit. Stamped GBD rondelle instead of metal insert. -catalog ( 1981 )
  • Dura Mount -- Factory unknown: Metal stem/bit fitting?
  • Ebony -- England, unknown if also made in France: light to medium brown smooth, muted black accents.-TH: Matt dual tone. -catalog ( 1976 )
  • Elite -- Factory unknown: -
  • Export -- Factory unknown: smooth medium -JS
  • Extra Dry -- France, unknown if also made in England.
  • Fantasy -- England, unknown if also made in France: black sandblast, with smooth panels, geometric shapes (triangles, diamonds, etc.) masked before blasting. -TH
  • Flame Grain -- England, unknown if also made in France: Natural finish
  • Giant -- Factory unknown: -
  • Granitan -- England, unknown if also made in France: sandblasted, then partially sanded smooth, resulting in a pebbley texture, stained light yellowish brown. -TH: "An acceptable concept in a finish which combines the light weight of a sandblasted pipe, the beauty of a Virgin finish and the attractiveness of two-tone brown coloring." -catalog ( 1976 )
  • Grotesque -- France, unknown of also made in England
  • Handhewn -- Factory unknown: Smooth with carved patchs, dark stain. "Don't be mislead. This distinctive masterpiece of carving is not positioned to hide flaws. Rather it uniformly appears at the base of each bowl one side contrasted against the top of the bowl on the reverse side." -catalog ( 1976 )
  • International -- France and England made: medium brown smooth, carved top rim, rim stained black. -TH: Matt take off finish "with just a hint of surface waxing" -catalog ( 1976 )
  • Iringa -- African Meerschaum, made in Tanganyika. Leather covered. -catalog ( 1976 )
  • Jenga -- African Meerschaum, made in Tanganyika. "Rustic" pebble finish in a yellow tone. -catalog ( 1976 )
  • Jubilee -- England, unknown if also made in France: dark reddish smooth -JH: "Black Lucite handcut mouthpiece featuring comfort steps on top and underside." -catalog ( 1980 )
  • Kibo -- African Meerschaum, made in Tanganyika. High gloss finish in a yellow tone. -catalog ( 1976 )
  • Ladybird -- France, unknown if also made in England: Some might not be marked with GBD logo. "The ultimate pipe for the ultimate lady. ... Neatly presented in an attractive sturdy box covered in contrasting blue color scheme, each unit contains a delicately colored pastel miniature tobacco pouch - in short, the complete lady's smoking companion." -catalog ( 1976 )
  • Legacy -- England, unknown if also made in France: Oiled finish, matt "take off" stain, roughened rim, carved worm hole finish. Military style turned stem. -catalog ( 1976 )
  • Lilliput -- England, natural virgin finish, small stature pipe
  • London Made -- Factory unknown: Some might not be marked with GBD logo and some with additional "house" stampings. Introduced in 1978(?) plain wax finished branded pipes" available in at least six stains. -catalog ( 1981 )
  • Mandarin -- France and England: -
  • Marquis -- France: Logo (M) in circle
  • Medley -- England: sandblast finish
  • Midnight -- England, unknown if also made in France: dark brown -PR: Introduced in 1980(?): "A touch of class! A rich combination of deep charcoal briar color, complimented with a matching Hand Cut Acrylic mouthpiece. Surprisingly affordable in the middle popular price range." -catalog ( 1980 )
  • Militaire -- England, unknown if also made in France: push/military bit, vulcanite ferrule. Usually brown sandblast. -TH
  • Millenium -- England, unknown if also made in France: -
  • New Era -- England, unknown if also made in France: reddish smooth generally. Occasionally a brown sandblast New Era shows up. -TH
  • New Standard -- England, unknown if also made in France: brown smooth. -TH: Polished "tobacco" brown finish. -catalog ( 1976 )
  • Nusi -- African Meerschaum, made in Tanganyika. Black color, hand carved gouge finish. -catalog ( 1976 )
  • Original -- France, unknown if also made in England: medium brown smooth. -BJ
  • Orly -- France: natural smooth.
  • Pageant -- Factory unknown: Introduced 1981. Dark "take off" stain, smooth finish. Swirled amber/orange colored acrylic bit. Stamped GBD rondelle instead of metal insert. -catalog ( 1981 )
  • Pedigree -- England, unknown if also made in France: -
  • Pedigree I -- Factory unknown: -
  • Pedigree II -- Factory unknown: -
  • Popular -- England, unknown if also made in France: -
  • Prehistoric -- England, unknown if also made in France: black sandblast. -TH: Available with Clear Persplex, Vulcanite, Pearl and Copper Acrylic -catalog (1976)
  • Prestige -- England, unknown if also made in France: Matt natural finish, Perspex mouthpiece
  • Premier -- England , unknown if also made in France:Introduced in 1980(?) "premium" briar. "We proudly launch this Flagship as the latest addition to our luxury line. A unique fiery Autumn color combination has been developed. featuring a smart stylized hand finished mouthpiece." -catalog ( 1980 )
  • Prodigy -- England, unknown if also made in France: According to the 1976 catalog these were a limited production "oversize" line available in just a few shapes. Natural finish.
  • Rock Root -- England, unknown if also made in France: black vertically carved finish. (The lowest priced GBD in the 1960s and 70s). -TH: "Tipped" carving -catalog ( 1980 )
  • Rosé -- Factory unknown: light reddish smooth. -TH: Introduced in 1981(?) -catalog ( 1981 )
  • Rustique -- Factory unknown: -
  • Sablee -- France, unknown if also made in England: medium brown smooth. -TH
  • Samuel Pepys -- France, unknown if also made in England: Long stemmed "Desk Pipe... Truly conjuring up the Dickensian character, designed for puffing in the opulent office or dwelling in the den." -catalog ( 1976 )
  • Sauvage -- England and France: light brown stain, smooth bowl with deep carved lines to hide flaws. Similar to a Savinelli Sherwood, but much deeper carved lines. -TH
  • Seventy-Six -- England, unknown if also made in France: Introduced 1976 in honor of the American BiCentennial, polished dark brown "take off" finish
  • Sierra -- Rusticated finish, made in France: -
  • Sieur -- France, unknown if also made in England: dark brown blast w/wide ring groove -BJ
  • Special Standard -- Factory unknown: medium dark reddish smooth. -TH
  • Special -- Production in England
  • Speciale -- Production in France
  • Sovereign -- Natural stain, Produced in England and France
  • Straight Grain -- France and made in England too: -
  • Stardust -- Factory unknown: Introduced or re-introduced in 1981. "premium" briar. Light "take off" finish -catalog ( 1981 )
  • Super Flame -- a straight grain pipe Factory England: -
  • Super Grain -- Factory unknown: -
  • Tanzania -- Factory unknown: -
  • Tapestry -- Factory unknown: light brown sandblast, geometric panels masked before blasting. -TH: Chairleg stem. -catalog ( 1976 )
  • Tapestry-R -- England, unknown if also made in France: "A mainstay of our line for many years, the original Tapestry has been modified to beat inflation and now sports a regualr Vulcanite, but maintains the unique mosaic effect on the bowl. No two pipes are identical." -catalog ( 1980 )
  • Topaz -- England, unknown if also made in France: Introduced in 1980(?). "Probably the most perfect harmony of combining the soft beige tones of the Hand Cut Acrylic mouthpiece with complimentary shades of brown in the Briar." -catalog ( 1980 )
  • Unique -- England, unknown if also made in France: smooth freehand shapes, mostly large/oversized pipes. Possible made by the Jameson brothers. -TH
  • Universe -- Production in France: -
  • Varichrome -- England, unknown if also made in France: Matt finish, dual tone. Swirled acrylic bits in "copper, jade, champagne or pewter" -catalog (1976)
  • Virgin -- England, unknown if also made in France: smooth light finish. For many years the one perfect (eg, no fills) GBD. -TH
  • Xtra -- Factory unknown: Reddish smooth -PR: Introduced in 1930s?

List of GBD "Seconds"

The lines listed below are either 2nds or lines made for other makers/pipeshops. Please send me any corrections or additional information you might have on these.

  • Americana -- England, unknown if also made in France: -
  • Arizona -- Factory unknown: -
  • Autumn Gold -- Factory unknown: -
  • Beau Nash -- Factory unknown: -
  • Blue Jean -- Factory unknown: -
  • Brunette -- Factory unknown: -
  • Chevruese -- Factory unknown: -
  • City de Luxe -- Factory unknown: -
  • Clubhouse -- England Factory: Similar to Penthouse but in "Mocha" Matt take off color. "Chairleg" mouthpiece.
  • Cockney -- England, unknown if also made in France
  • Cordoban -- Factory unknown: "More than a Sandblast, more than a Tanblast, the additional feature to the finish is a final tipping process enhancing the beauty of the sandblasted graining." -catalog ( 1976 ). This style was listed under "Private Brand Pipes" in the catalog which means that GBD would stamp a custom name of the pipe, often the name of a pipe shop or chain.
  • Cornwall(?) -- England, unknown if also made in France: -
  • Country Club, LONDON MADE -- England, natural stain -
  • Cyclone -- Factory unknown: "An ingeneous Swiss-made cover inset to our shape of the year. Now you can safely puff in the park, on the parkway, your friend's new couch. Finished in the dual tone Irwin's color." -catalog ( 1976 )
  • Daddy --Factory unknown: -
  • Davos -- Factory unknown: -
  • Digby -- England, unknown if also made in France: Available in a smooth walnut finish or a dark sandblast. -catalog ( 1976 )
  • Estacis -- Factory unknown: -
  • Fouquet -- Factory unknown: -
  • Garlan(d) -- Factory unknown: -
  • Handmade -- Factory unknown: -
  • House of Commons -- England, unknown if also made in France: -
  • Insignia -- England, unknown if also made in France: Available in Matt, Sandblast and "Handtooled", fitted with a "stylized pinched" mouthpiece. -catalog (1976)
  • Irwin's -- England, unknown if also made in France: "The warm dual-tone brown finish deepens with repeated smoking. Finest Rum is used in the special process of maturing these fine pipes. It's smooth flavor complements the natural taste of fine tobacco." -catalog ( 1976 )
  • Kingswood -- England, unknown if also made in France: -
  • Matt DeLuxe -- England, unknown if also made in France: Tobacco brown "take off" Matt finish -catalog ( 1976 ). This style was listed under "Private Brand Pipes" in the catalog which means that GBD would stamp a custom name of the pipe, often the name of a pipe shop or chain.
  • Matt Special -- England, unknown if also made in France: "Warm Amber" on black dual tone Matt finish, "mid-priced" private label. -catalog ( 1976 ). This style was listed under "Private Brand Pipes" in the catalog which means that GBD would stamp a custom name of the pipe, often the name of a pipe shop or chain.
  • Medley -- England, unknown if also made in France: "A collection of oversize Conquest and Collector shapes...varying shape selection", varying finishs. -catalog ( 1981 )
  • Oxford -- England, unknown if also made in France: -
  • Peerless -- England, unknown if also made in France: -
  • Penthouse -- England, unknown if also made in France: Originally finished in "Charcoal" Matt take off color. Brown take off examples exist. "Chairleg" mouthpiece. -catalog ( 1976 )
  • Pinner -- Factory unknown: -
  • Racines -- England, unknown if also made in France: -
  • Rest Lite -- Factory unknown: -
  • Rockwood -- Factory unknown: -
  • Scorpio Deluxe -- Factory unknown: -
  • Silverado -- Factory unknown: -
  • Sovereign -- France, unknown if also made in England: -
  • Special A -- Factory unknown: "Black sandblasted" private label. -catalog ( 1981 ). This style was listed under "Private Brand Pipes" in the catalog which means that GBD would stamp a custom name of the pipe, often the name of a pipe shop or chain.
  • Special B -- Factory unknown: "Brown sandblasted" private label. -catalog ( 1981 ). This style was listed under "Private Brand Pipes" in the catalog which means that GBD would stamp a custom name of the pipe, often the name of a pipe shop or chain.
  • Superflame(?) Factory unknown: -
  • Topper -- Factory unknown: -
  • Triomphe -- France, unknown if also made in England: -
  • White Ring -- England, unknown if also made in France: Introduced in 1980(?), orangish-brown color. "Originally conceived as a GBD Branded pipe, we felt that this beautiful new color in combination with white acrylic collar could be the pride of your store with your own logo." -catalog ( 1980 ). This style was listed under "Private Brand Pipes" in the catalog which means that GBD would stamp a custom name of the pipe, often the name of a pipe shop or chain.
  • Wimbledon -- (?) England, unknown if also made in France: -

Miscellaneous information (From Newsgroups and E-mails):

Plus Sized Pipes

In addition to the pipe line and shape information stamped on the pipe GBD also had codes for plus sized pipes. These codes in ascending order of size were...

  • Conquest
  • Collector
  • Colossus

Perspex refers to the lucite/acrylic bit material GBD used, the clear bits used on various models are Perspex.

Metal rondelles were discontinued after the merger with Comoy.

Note: The information presented on this page is the sum total of my knowledge about the subject ( sad isn't it? ). I am not connected to GBD in anyway except for having a few of their pipes... :-)

I am interested in buying older GBDs at reasonable prices, specifically any of the Bulldog or Rhodesian shapes. At this time I do not have any GBDs that I wish to sell or trade.

Below are some edited messages pulled from the a.s.p. newsgroup pertaining to GBD identification.

Author: Gregory Pease, Email: glp@netcom.com, Date: 1996/05/18, Forums: alt.smokers.pipes

Dating GBD's is difficult. On older pieces with hallmarked silver bands, one can look up the hallmark. Once GBD and Comoy's became one, the linear "Made in England" stamp became the round "Made in London England" stamp used on all later Comoys.

Even the stem is not a sure-fire method. All the way through the 1960's and early 1970's, some pipes were ftted with moulded stems, while others were hand-cut. Not all hand-cut stems are marked as such, and it doesn't depend on grade. (In my collection is one of the finest Pedigrees I've ever seen. It is unsmoked, made in the 1960's, and has one of the poorest moulded stems I've ever seen on a production pipe! But, the wood would make a Dunhill DRH, or a Charatan Coronation blush!) That said, you can be assured that if the stem has a painted GBD rondelle, rather than a silver or brass one set into the stem, that it is a late-model, made after the merge with Comoy. These were the beginning of the dark-days for GBD (and Comoy, for that matter) in my opinion.

In some cases, the grade gives some clues. Xtras haven't been made since the 1930's, for instance, and the Century was first introduced some time in the 1960's or 1970's as I recall, from what scant literature I've been able to acquire. GBD introduced new shapes and dropped shapes almost every year it seems (an exaggeration, I'm sure), so if you had a lot of shape charts, you might be able to find a range.

Higher Grades

Author: Gregory Pease, Email: skydog@value.net, Date: 1997/05/06, Forums: alt.smokers.pipes

...In a circa 1973 chart which I have, here are the descriptions of the higher grades:

  • Virgin -- "Only the finest of closely grained briar is utilized for this exceptional pipe. Natural finish"
  • Century -- "A golden finish created to celebrate over a century of manufacturing the finest briar pipes."
  • New Era -- "The beauty of this pipe's perfect briar is accentuated by the richness of the 'take-off' dual finish."
  • Prestige -- "This pipe features a black handcut perspex mouthpiece which precludes discoloration and 'bad taste' after continual smoking. Only the finest of the fine-grained bowls are selected for this handsome matt virgin finished briar."
  • Prehistoric Perspex -- "The deep sandblasting sillhouettes the grain in bold relief. The crystal clear mouthpiece creates an attractive contrast to the deep dark finish."

Below are some e-mails I have received about GBDs

Date: Fri, 27 Nov 1998 08:29:06 -0800, From: "Albert A. Grosskopf" (grosskopf@usfca.edu), Subject: GBD

Hi Jerry,

I just took a look at your web page. Here's a little information on GBD. In October, 1996, Mike Hagley had some info of GBD which I downloaded. Here's his list in probable descending order of grade:

  • Pedigree
  • Pedigree I
  • Pedigree II
  • Straight Grain
  • Prodigy
  • Bronze Velvet
  • Virgin
  • Varichrome
  • Prestige
  • Jubilee
  • New Era
  • Prehistoric
  • International
  • Universe
  • Speciale Standard
  • Ebony
  • Tapestry
  • New Standard
  • Granitan
  • Sauvage
  • Sierra
  • Penthouse
  • Legacy
  • Concorde

Mike got his information from GBD catalogs 1976 to 1980. I personally have in my collection three beautiful Pedigrees, a bent, a bulldog, and a prince. The grain is unmatched and womderful. I also have an interesting Prodigy Sandflame, half bent tan sandblast free form with plateau top. I think it's an unusual shape for a GBD. That's about the extent of my GBDs. Nice going on your data gathering. I look forward to the results. Keep up the good work and happy puffing. Al Grosskopf

Date: Mon, 07 Dec 1998 09:26:50 -0500, From: Terry Hagley (hagley@zoomnet.net), Subject: Your GBD page

Jerry,

Nice to see someone actually DO something with a GBD page, rather than just talk about it. At any rate, as a GBD collector for 25 years, I'm happy to see this.

For decades, the largest GBD (and Charatan) retailer in the world was Smoker's Haven in Columbus, Ohio, when it was owned by Joe Ziev, mid-40s to mid 80s. (The shops bearing that name in Columbus today are pale imitations; Joe sold out in the 80's to two architects who ran the business into the ground and sold the name to two other persons). SH carried about 5,000 pipes in stock, and many of the odd shapes GBD made were done for Smoker's Haven. Jack Tompkins and Frank Nagy are good sources for rememberances of the old days at SH.

A few comments:

  • In addition to the pipe line and shape information stamped on the pipe
  • GBD also had codes for plus sized pipes. These codes in ascending order
  • of size were...
  • Conquest
  • Collector
  • Colossus
  • My understanding is that these larger size codes were primarily used on
  • their higher grade pipes such as Virgins and Pedigrees.

Your size codes are correct, and in proper order, BUT they were not restricted to the higher grades, but used all through the line, from Rockroot on up. I have even seen Digby's marked Colossus.

  • Perspex refers to the clear acrylic bit material GBD used on various models.
  • Correct. Perspex was a patented/trademarked name for lucite/acrylic.
  • The metal rondelle set into the bit can help identify the age of the pipe,
  • if the rondel is silver or gold the pipe is pre '70s.
    • FALSE. The color of the metal inlay has nothing to do with age. I know where you are getting this info, and have asked the person who says this what his authority is. He admits he has none, other than a guess. A metal logo does mean the pipe predates the late 80s, and that's about the only conclusion one can draw.

My brother Mike went through his old SH flyers, and the list someone forwarded to you is accurate.

Bill Unger, who is sec'y of the NASPC is a great source for GBD info, as the central Ohio are is a good place to turn up GBDs. Joe Ziev was a pioneer in mail order, having a mailing list worldwide of more than 10,000 names, so GBDs at least during his time, were widely sold, but many many are still in Ohio.

I will go through your list of finishes later and make comments on them, to add to your descriptions.

Terry

I received another e-mail from Terry listing several finish descriptions, I've added this info to the page and have noted his input with a -TH, I've also corrected the items Terry mentioned in his e-mail. Thanks Terry!


From: "Tim Bender" To: jhanna@ionet.net Subject: GBD pipe shapes Date: Fri, 05 Feb 1999 10:39:10 PST

I have a GBD prestige, shape number 335, which is absent from your shape chart. It is an apple shape, with a straight stem and round shank. Hopefully you will be able to use this in the chart. --Tim


From: Paul + Deena Roe To: jhanna@ionet.net Subject: GBD Midnight

Hi Jerry,

I recently purchased a #9436 Midnight, a line that I do not find listed in your research. Appearance dictates that it is probably a second (?). Do you have any information on the line?

Thank you,

Paul Libby, MT pdroe@homer.libby.org


From: Paul + Deena Roe To: jhanna@ionet.net Subject: Midnight

Hi Jerry,

Re: 9436 Midnight Straight Billiard More descriptive information for you--since this estate pipe has not been smoked much, I think the finish has not been affected by usage: dark brown smooth. The saddle stem logo is a white paint on. The stem is a rather inexpensive looking pearlescent material (not very attractive in my eyes).

I have a few shape numbers for you that I did not see listed--I have a:

255 Pedigree Canadian Billiard Vulc Saddle 357 Rockroot Quarter Bent Plum Vulc (sold as Plum not Prince) 549 International Quarter Bent Bulldog Vulc 667 Rockroot Half Bent Pear (?) Vulc 2006 New Standard Bulldog Straight Vulc 2006 Sierra Bulldog Straight Vulc 2871 Century Quarter Bent Dublin Vulc 9464 Speciale Lovat Saddle Vulc 9552 Fantasy Collector Calabash Full Lucite 9564 Virgin Conquest Bent Dublin Freeform Vulc Danish Stem

Thanks for putting this endeavor together. It is appreciated.

Paul


From Terry Hagley

Hey Jerry I was checking out your page when I noticed that I have two GBD shapes you don't list:

256 - Canadian - straight - oval/saddle 7002 - Dublin - 1/4 bent - military push

If you need them, I can send scans for your perusal. Thanks for providing the info you have, and keep appreciating those GBD pipes!

Reg'ds,

Terry


From: Paul + Deena Roe To: jhanna@ionet.net Subject: Xtra

Hi Jerry,

I just secured an unsmoked Xtra today, and thought I would give you a description of the pipe for your edification:

The finish, in my opinion, is a medium reddish smooth. The grain is "nice", with some birdeye, but not exceptional. The pipe is a #1331, which is a straight billiard. The stem has a gold rondelle, and I am ignorant relative to molded vs cut, but it is nicely formed and joins well with the shank. The shank is stamped London England.

Thanks for all the information you have provided. I have put the information to good use in purchasing GBDs.

BTW, the #667 Rock Root I described to you earlier as a possible pear is a 1/2 billiard, I have been told by those that have more knowledge than I.

With appreciation,

Paul Roe Libby, MT pdroe@homer.libby.org


From: Jeff Folloder Subject: GBD's

Jerry, I was perusing your page and have another shape number for you. My father gave me a bunch of his pipes from the 70's to clean up (and keep cuz he don't smoke no mo). One of them is a GBD Century. It is a Group 3ish size billiard with a standard taper/fishtail stem. The shape number is 4121. Hope this helps!

-- Jeff Folloder


Date: Wed, 03 Feb 1999 18:30:38 -0600 From: Bill Jones Subject: GBD models

I have some contributions of models/shapes not included so far:

Original, 2006, bulldog, medium brown smooth, straight diamond saddle shank. Gold metal rondelle in stem. London, England. About Group 3 size.

Sieur, 719, billiard, smooth/sandblast, 1/8 bent broad saddle stem. Gold metal rondelle in stem (but now lifted out). London, England. It seems the Sieur were rounded billiards, stained dark brown, mostly sandblast, with a smooth ring a la that on a bulldog but instead very broad, here about 10 mm. Also smooth on the bottom of the stem, with some carving instead of sandblast near where it meets the bit. This one has a saddle bit and shank that is Canadian-style but squared off on the sides. About Group 4 size.

Also I have a GBD Standard, 110, which you describe as a pot. Mine is an only-slightly-squat billiard. Shank is straight as is the stem, with saddle bit. Finish is dark brown sandblast, but smooth and flat on the bottom of the stem (so it will sit). Gold metal rondelle in stem. London, England. About Group 3 size.


Date: Thu, 04 Feb 1999 19:21:57 -0200 From: "Frank R. C. Ferreira" Subject: GBD pipes


Dear Jerry, it was very nice to find such an interesting page devoted to pipes like yours. I'm a proud owner of a GBD pipe, too. It's similar to Savinelli's model 601. On the left side, there's the GBD logo by the side of the word "CHEVREUSE", both carved. On the right side, also carved, there's the words "ST CLAUDE" on top of the number "1025". On the left side of the black plastic mouthpiece, near the briar, shines the GBD logo, in golden brass. The finish is natural, smooth and the veins form a very beautiful design. The briar has darkened after all these years of smoking, but I remember it was very clear when I first met this piece. This pipe was a gift a nice young lady brought me from England, in the early 70's. If possible, I'd like to read comments about this pipe. Best regards! Frank Ferreira


Date: Sun, 01 Aug 1999 09:11:18 -0400 From: John Seiler Subject: gbd export

i have a GBD Export, not listed on your table,,,also, the gbd emblem has a verticle piece outside the logo on the top and bottom...i have attached a picture for your information. shape no. 8641


From: SHUSE23@aol.com Date: Sun, 1 Aug 1999 13:06:13 EDT Subject: GBD Pipes

Mr. Hanna,

I have a GBD shape that can be added to the shape chart. The pipe is a Virgin shape #789 which is a straight pot, the pipe is small length is 5" depth of the bowl is 1.5" inside dia. of bowl 1" outside dia. 1.5" shank dia. is 1/2". The pipe has the linear Made in England stamp and the brass oval GBD in the stem, stem is molded. I bought the pipe last year, unsmoked, and the shop where I bought it told me they had found when cleaning out one of their storerooms and they believed it was an early to mid 1960's pipe, it also came with the original box and sleeve. The pipe is a great smoker. I hope this helps you in your search for GBD knowledge.

Steve Huse