Guild Master Bulldog w/12k gold band

[JSPiper71]

Hello All, just picked up a collection and there's a really interesting pipe that I can't find any info on. It's incredibly well made stamped 'Guild Master' on the one side, with 'Algerian Briar' over 'France' on the other. It also has a stamped 12k gold band. The vulcanite stem is screwed on with a very solid, even fit. Anyone seen one of these before and can help with some history?

 

[JSPiper71]

Merry Christmas friends. Presents with the kids was a big success. Took Welly for a long walk (only Christmas present he wants). Now heading to my sisters for Christmas dinner. Enjoyed some ‘21 Christmas Cringle on the walk in my 70’s era Calich. Wearing my ‘Griswold’ Blackhawks jersey, which is the first thing I put on and the last thing I take off on Christmas Day.

 

[Briar Lee]

Merry Christmas to you and yours, and what an incredible high grade pipe.

I’ve not seen a Guild Master before, but that was hand made, likely by a member of a guild in the pipe making region of France.

Algerian briar is notoriously bland, soft, and hard to work with. That piece is one of very, very many. It’s as about as fancy as they ever come.

And the construction is just beautiful.

French pipes are like Rodney Dangerfield and don’t get enough respect.

Congratulations.