However there are a couple of pipes when simply numbers will do, for example say "55" and we all know it's to be a Castello 55 shape or derivative. Likewise with the 9438. GBD's fat Rhodie. A small change to a typical Rhodie and it's it's own iconic shape.
On this 9438 most of my other "numbers" are pretty close, same overall length, bend, shank length, stem length, even my button is very similar to GBD's 9438, however my bowl is a little thicker and wider from rings down on this pipe as I intended to use what one might call "thick" rustication. In retrospect I could have ground a custom spade to drill the chamber and then kept the external dimensions precise but I am happy with the choice I made.
Anyhow here is what I guess you would call my take on the GBD 9438, well one of my takes as I would like to make a smooth version some day when I see the right block for it.
9438
Length: 5 and 3/8"
Height: 1 and 3/4"
Chamber: .75" X 1 and 1/2"
Width:1 and 3/4" max at rings.
Weight : 2.1 oz
Italian Briar block
Hand Cut German Ebonite Stem
Faux Ivory
Left Side
![Image](http://www.billboylepipes.com/uploads/8/9/3/2/8932036/1216640_orig.jpg)
Right Side
![Image](http://www.billboylepipes.com/uploads/8/9/3/2/8932036/8050765_orig.jpg)
Front Side
![Image](http://www.billboylepipes.com/uploads/8/9/3/2/8932036/231817_orig.jpg)
Top Side
![Image](http://www.billboylepipes.com/uploads/8/9/3/2/8932036/1806289_orig.jpg)
Now here is a close up look at the finish:
![Image](http://www.billboylepipes.com/uploads/8/9/3/2/8932036/8536972_orig.jpg)
Let's look even closer:
![Image](http://www.billboylepipes.com/uploads/8/9/3/2/8932036/9869983_orig.jpg)
Let's look even closer:
![Image](http://www.billboylepipes.com/uploads/8/9/3/2/8932036/9463247_orig.jpg)
Now let's peek inside:
![Image](http://www.billboylepipes.com/uploads/8/9/3/2/8932036/3924293_orig.jpg)
It's too dark to see much, let's turn on a light and see what's going on deep inside here: