1892 GBD "Général Dodds" Bulldog [Pic Heavy]

I don’t often post client work. I prefer to let them do that sort of thing themselves if they wish, but this pipe is sort of a milestone for me. To date, this is the oldest briar pipe that I have worked with (though I’ve worked with a couple of meerschaums that pre-date it).









The "Général Dodds" stamping almost surely refers to the renowned (and somewhat controversial), Général Alfred-Amédée Dodds, who was commander of French forces in Senegal from 1890 to 1892 among many other high-ranking and distinguished roles in the French military during the late 19th and very early 20th century.

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alfred-Am%C3%A9d%C3%A9e_Dodds

What connection the pipe has with the man I can only guess, but given that the pipe was made at the height of Dodds’ distinction I think it’s unlikely that it’s only a commemorative piece.

It’s pretty damn cool in any case.