19?? GBD Speciale Lovat

[georged]

(Yes, it's technically French, but the brand is considered English these days, so sue me. :lol: )
I don't even remember where this pipe came from or know anything about it (Hell, I don't even know what "GBD" stands for), but it's a sweet little critter. Almost---but not quite---"granite grain" briar, lovely burnt-ruby color, super-comfy stem, and excellent smoker.
The relative rarity of the Lovat shape never made sense to me. They're arguably the best of several worlds shape and size-wise, but I also like to watch Olympic Weightlifting, so what do I know?
36.3 grams, 5.4" long
.

 

[jazz]

Nice.
I completely agree with you about the Lovat shape. It's one of if not actually my favourite. I need more of them in my life.

 

[danielplainview]

Nice one. Subtle and classy.
French with brass: 1920-1950.

 

[ssjones]

I'm too tired to look up the nomenclature - how did you date that Dave? That GBD stamp sure looks unique with the slightly stylized fonts.

A 36 gram pipe is a wonderful thing to behold.

 

[nevadablue]

A nice pipe for sure.
GBD, from the all knowing pipedia.
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. Ganneval probably came from the area of Saint-Claude where he had learned making wooden pipes. Bondier'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. Donninger 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
https://pipedia.org/wiki/GBD

 

[danielplainview]

@ Al
It’s a simple recipe for the Frenchies. The brass rhondelle was introduced in 1920. French made pipes ended 1950.
The information is always evolving with GBD. That was the dates listed last time I browsed Pipedia.

 

[ssjones]

Thanks Dave, I don't follow the French stamped GBD's that closely. Al

 

[doctorbob]

The 1963 flyer that Chris Keene has (date is printed on the flyer) specifically shows 'Speciale', 'Sauvage', and 'Sablee' pipes as being available and being made in France. My understanding is that French made pipes were produced into the '70's.
Doc

 

[mawnansmiff]

"The brass rhondelle was introduced in 1920."
Dave, was the roundel actually made of solid brass back then? I ask as I have more recent GBD pipes where the roundel is actually made of aluminium albeit with a brass coating. I know this as I accidentally sanded one which removed the brass coating revealing the underlying aluminium.
Regards,
Jay.

 

[bluegrassbrian]

I like the "SPECIALE" font.. almost looks hand engraved.

 

[danielplainview]

@bob
I had no idea they were advertising the French models up to 1970. From what I read, French production stopped in 1950. Perhaps they were the excess overflow? Currently you can buy NOS Baronet sandblasted models that were turned in the 70’s.
@Jay
I think the rhondelles were always brass coated aluminum.

 

[mawnansmiff]

"I think the rhondelles were always brass coated aluminum."
Thanks Dave, interesting to know.
Regards,
Jay.

 

[PaulTheScandinavian]

I love this model, something in French like mood

 

[nevadablue]

Thanks for the info on the French versions. I have a few of those.

The rondelle on this old stem that I found for this old pipe is silver colored. Must have been polished too many times.