QUESTIONS: GBD Genuine Matt 9487 - Stem w/o Insignia

[Humblepipe]

Gents,

Got this GBD Apple 9487 with square shank and saddle bit stem It looks pretty old with light stamping. What's weird is the stem is missing that iconic GBD insignia. It does not look like a replacement stem. Was there ever a time GBD did not use that iconic insignia on their stems?

Thanks!

 

[ashdigger]

Look closely at the stem. GBD stamped a circle with GBD in it. When I zoom in on the stem I see the faint image of a circle.

 

[Humblepipe]

Just looked... I actually do not see a circle. And, I have a magnification light.

 

[Humblepipe]

Just took another look... you are correct, ashdigger. There is a circle there were the insignia used to be. Thanks for your help. I really appreciate it.

 

[ashdigger]

I have two older pipes that have that imprint so I’m glad I could help.

 

[Humblepipe]

I have two older pipes that have that imprint so I’m glad I could help.

I do not believe this is the first time you helped me. I am grateful.

 

[Ziggywm]

Gents,

Got this GBD Apple 9487 with square shank and saddle bit stem It looks pretty old with light stamping. What's weird is the stem is missing that iconic GBD insignia. It does not look like a replacement stem. Was there ever a time GBD did not use that iconic insignia on their stems?

Thanks!


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My experience with GBD only dates from 1966. Before then I can't speak with authority on the use of the metal GBD logo. When I worked at the pipe shop Fred Diebel's in KC in the 70s (and GBD was a major line he sold) all carried the metal logo. We always carried a supply of these logos for stem replacement or removed the old one from the broken stem and put it on the replacement. We did this by using a soldering iron. The tip of the iron would heat the logo melting the vulcanite beneath it anchoring the logo and allowing it to lay flush with the surface. Then it would be buffed to polish it. My hunch is your pipe had a logo which was lost at some time and repeated buffing or cleaning of the stem removed most of the indentation in the rubber bit where the logo was once seated. The bit looks original and I am guessing your pipe dates from the 60s or 70s, but that's just a guess. Nice pipe.

 

[Humblepipe]

My experience with GBD only dates from 1966. Before then I can't speak with authority on the use of the metal GBD logo. When I worked at the pipe shop Fred Diebel's in KC in the 70s (and GBD was a major line he sold) all carried the metal logo. We always carried a supply of these logos for stem replacement or removed the old one from the broken stem and put it on the replacement. We did this by using a soldering iron. The tip of the iron would heat the logo melting the vulcanite beneath it anchoring the logo and allowing it to lay flush with the surface. Then it would be buffed to polish it. My hunch is your pipe had a logo which was lost at some time and repeated buffing or cleaning of the stem removed most of the indentation in the rubber bit where the logo was once seated. The bit looks original and I am guessing your pipe dates from the 60s or 70s, but that's just a guess. Nice pipe.

Thanks, Ziggywm. What you have said makes sense. And, I agree that this is the original stem. I did look for a replacement logo, but none were to be found. It's all good...

 

[Ziggywm]

Thanks, Ziggywm. What you have said makes sense. And, I agree that this is the original stem. I did look for a replacement logo, but none were to be found. It's all good...

You might check with some pipe shops that have been around for a long time and sold GBDs. They would probably sell or give you one and you can mount it yourself as I described above. Hell, just the hunt for an old logo can be fun - never know what you might turn up!!?