I just got a straight stem prince from GPD yesterday. What kind of quality is GBD ?
GBD pipes
- Thread starter sparrowhawk
- Start date
I don't own one, but I'd say generally highly regarded, a good English factory pipe that is well-made and durable, and smokes well. That's its rep. It doesn't hurt that it's been around a very long time.
they range from near basket pipes to high grade.
just depends on the pipe.
I'm a sucker for Perspex stems, and almost never smoke a briar...
I have a GBD churchwarden that I like when I'm in a Hobbit mood.
Good smokers, especially ones with the metal insert in the stems.
I have four pre-Cadogan GBDs and all are great smokers.
GBD made quality pipes before the takeover by Cadogan. And even after the takeover, they made some fine pipes....just more inconsistencies.
I was gonna say I have pre and post Cadogan era pipes and they both smoke great. The only difference in my mind is the quality of the fit and finish.
I have a couple of post Cadogan era GBDs and a few of their seconds. Most of them are good smokers. One in particular is a classically shaped English saddle stemmed billiard. I think I paid 35 bucks for it somewhere around 1981. It's not much to look at. The finish is a generic brown, the grain is unremarkable but the lines and proportions of the pipe are very nice. At one time it was one of my favorite knock around pipes. It now sits in my smokers stand neglected with a stem that I bit through many years ago. I often think that maybe I should have the stem replaced but it's probably not worth it beyond the sentimental value the pipe has.
I have a few and every one is a keeper.
Heres a great article pertaining to GBD collecting G. L. Pease - Pieces from My Collection - http://glpease.com/Pipes/Collection/gbd.html
Heres a great article pertaining to GBD collecting G. L. Pease - Pieces from My Collection - http://glpease.com/Pipes/Collection/gbd.html
Yep, they range from "Hand Cut" stem high grades (Virgin on up) to basket grade, as mentioned.
You definitely want a pipe with the Brass Rondell, and "London, England" COM, used in the pre-Cadogan era (before 1982).
Theres a GBD "show us" page if you want to see the gamut.
You definitely want a pipe with the Brass Rondell, and "London, England" COM, used in the pre-Cadogan era (before 1982).
Theres a GBD "show us" page if you want to see the gamut.
I have that middle one. Good looking pipe and decent smoker. I have a couple more GBD pipes. My favorite is the prehistoric rusticated poker.
I have more than 20 GBDs of different grades, all are pre 1982. They are always in my active rotation. In my experience even the “lower” grades will be good smokers. Just not as nice grain. That being said I have some lower grades with nicer grain than the same shape in a higher grade.
They’re a safe bet when you’re buying estate pipes. Just look for the pre-Cadogan pipes, there are plenty to be had.
They’re a safe bet when you’re buying estate pipes. Just look for the pre-Cadogan pipes, there are plenty to be had.