I know a good bit more than I used to about GBD...but thought I'd park this one here for you GBD historians.
LaFond's was a cigar shop, founded in Detroit, 1898. Later, they opened at least one additional site, known as Lafond's Pipe Shop. They sold Barlings, Dunhill, Peterson, GBD, more. The latest info I can find on Lafond's is an old newspaper ad from 1946...which brings me to the point.
This pipe below was made by GBD for Lafond's. It is stamped: Lafond's Vintage Algerian Briar (left), Made in France, 9438 (right). The stem is original, bearing the Lafond's 'L' trademark. Fattest saddle stem I've ever seen, and a very rounded, slotted button. My understanding is that slotted buttons were introduced in the 1920's, and I'm guessing this to be a fairly early one...but there are certainly GBD and vintage pipe experts who know more than I. Not critical that I narrow it down, but I'd like to. Thoughts?
(Pardon the late night, dusty mug-shots)
LaFond's was a cigar shop, founded in Detroit, 1898. Later, they opened at least one additional site, known as Lafond's Pipe Shop. They sold Barlings, Dunhill, Peterson, GBD, more. The latest info I can find on Lafond's is an old newspaper ad from 1946...which brings me to the point.
This pipe below was made by GBD for Lafond's. It is stamped: Lafond's Vintage Algerian Briar (left), Made in France, 9438 (right). The stem is original, bearing the Lafond's 'L' trademark. Fattest saddle stem I've ever seen, and a very rounded, slotted button. My understanding is that slotted buttons were introduced in the 1920's, and I'm guessing this to be a fairly early one...but there are certainly GBD and vintage pipe experts who know more than I. Not critical that I narrow it down, but I'd like to. Thoughts?
(Pardon the late night, dusty mug-shots)