Help with pipe ID

[puffermark]

Greetings, all. Below are some pics from a local auction site. I'm trying to get an ID on this one, and the reason I am posting here is I have a hunch it could be a GBD. It's simply listed as a vintage hand made pipe. As you can see the stampings are pretty fried, but the two ovals are suggestive and the shape is pretty much a dead ringer for a GBD 9242. My concerns however are the lack of the metal rondelle in the stem (indicating maybe post transition / Cadogan era) and the first letter in the shank stamp sure doesn't look like a "G". Looks like it could be "Speciale" underneath though. Whetever the case it's a great shape and shows potential for a good clean up if I can get it at a good price. Apologies for the quality of the pics, they're copied from the site. Any opinions are very welcome. Thanks.

 

[pagan]

It sure does look like a GBD bent Rhodesian but I would bet NOT a GBD

 

[ssjones]

Tough to say. I'd have to see the nomenclature under magnification.

It sure does look like a GBD 9242 shape.

Can you do a close-up of the nomenclature side?

(camera phones can now take terrific close-up photos, just zoom in with some good light)

 

[puffermark]

Thanks, Al. Wish I could oblige, but it's not bought yet. This is all I have to go on for now.

 

[dmcmtk]

Both the marks on the shank and the stem are not GBD. I've looked at the pictures many times since last night!!! The best I can make out, is that the first letter of the marks is an M, and that it does say SPECIAL on the shank. Now, whether it is a pipe that was made by GBD, is another story... Puffer, if you like the shape, BID TO WIN! :wink:

 

[puffermark]

Thanks for all the inputs, gentlemen. Very much appreciated.

 

[shaintiques]

It says W.B. Not sure who that is but still nice fat Rhodesian