English Estates: GBD New Era Smooth Billiard (391) (pre-1980) Tobacco Pipe

Forged in Paris in 1850 by three men looking to make new strides for the pipe industry, GBD was the brainchild of Ganneval, Bondier, and Donninger. Initially specializing in meerschaum pipes, GBD won 15 medals of achievement within its first 40 years. These awards set the stage for the company's success in Europe, Canada, South Africa, Australia, and the U.S.A. Eventually, in 1902, the company was sold to A. Oppenheimer & Co., which brought the business to England

This vintage "391" Billiard from GBD is a perfect lightweight option for those looking for a short and satisfying smoke. Keeping true to a traditional Billiard silhouette, this pipe displays almost Nosewarmer proportions at just over five inches in length. The cylindrical bowl is compact in nature and the short shank-and-stem combination lends this pipe to be easily transportable. The jet-black stain across the vulcanite saddle stem pairs well with the smooth finish along the fore, the chestnut satin within highlighting cross grain and patches of birdseye on the briar.