Founded in the late 18th century in Givet, in the Ardennes region, Maison Gambier proclaimed itself the largest pipe manufacturer in the world. While this claim may have been true for several decades for clay pipes, the company had to contend with counterfeits, the emergence of the wooden pipe, and, ultimately, the popularization of cigarettes. Today, I share with you the history of Gambier pipes.
1. History of the Gambier House
THEadventure begins in 1780 when Jean Gambier, originally from Dieppe, settled in Givet and created his small pipe company at the foot of Mont d'Haurs. His son took over the reins in 1817, introducing the first pipes with figural bowls. In 1835, Minervin Hasslauer bought the workshop, giving it new impetus. The expansion continued with the opening of sales offices in Paris in 1846 and a first catalog published in 1848. Maison Gambier won a gold medal à the National Exhibition of 1849 in Paris and a London office opened in 1860 (closed in 1896), and the adjoining competitor's factory White Garin was acquired in 1867, consolidating the expansion. In 1868, the company employed 600 workers in Givet, and his pipes were then the most widespread in France.
La Franco-German War of 1870 temporarily halted production. During the Third Republic, competition intensified, with some copying Gambier designs while others promoted new products such as the wooden pipe. The rise of cigarettes and little cigars also contributes to the decline. TheGambier House staff reducede: 550 workers in 1875, 410 in 1880, and only 216 in 1900.
Le March 4, 1908, After the death of the widow Hasslauer, the company was dissolved and reconstituted as a public limited company. However, the reduction in staff continued, with only 102 workers in 1909.
La First World War stops production, the Ardennes being occupied until the end of the conflict, the Givet workshops being transformed into country hospital by the Germans. Activity resumes in the early 1920 years, but with a forty workers in 1923. The definitive closure of the pipe manufacturing activity and the liquidation of the company take place in 1928.
Between 1850 and 1926, total production is estimated at two billion pipes.
2. Iconic models: the Jacob pipe and other creations
More than 1600 pipe models were created, such as heads, monsters, witches, animals, historical or political figures, and various themes such as arts, daily life, the army, news items, theater, races, the human body and flora. These pipes were made from a mixture of clays which whitened when fired. Once removed from the molds, they could be painted and enameled.
The model the most popular of the Gambier House is the “Jacob” pipeThe most common hypothesis of its origin is that it represents a biblical characterJacob, the younger son of Isaac and Rebecca, is known for his cunning, having obtained his twin brother's birthright in exchange for a mess of pottage. Often, a band on his turban proclaims "I am Jacob" or some variation, in reference to his reputation as a shrewd politician who rose to power through cunning.
Arthur Rimbaud et Paul Verlaine have pipes themselves in their works.
If you find a pipe of the Gambier House, it is possible to know if it isa real. A JG brand will be present on The Taleon traditional and on-trend models the sockets pipe heads or under the stove. It is present on the oldest Gambier pipes known. The JG refers to its founder Jean Gambier and later to his son Joseph Gambier.
Today, you can discover the pipes of Maison Gambier at the “Pierre Tassin” cultural center. Temporary and permanent exhibitions are organized there.
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