This is an unstamped set that vintage pipe experts believe to be turned by James Smith, sometime after he purchased the business from Hutcheon. The record below from the National Museums of Scotland states that Smith worked for the firm of J&W Hutcheon and purchased the business after William’s death in (1909). Therefore, circa 1915 may be the accurate time frame for when the pipes were turned.
The firm of J and W Hutcheon, Bagpipe Makers, was founded by William Hutcheon (1861-1909), beginning in his own house at 153 High Street, Edinburgh, in a building that used to be known as Allan Ramsay House. He was in business with his brother James and the photograph shows them outside their premises in Niddry Street, Edinburgh. William Hutcheon died as a result of an accident when he was run down by a coach and horse and died three months later from the injuries received. Subsequently his widow emigrated to Australia and the business was bought by a man, Smith, who had worked for J and W Hutcheon.
https://nms.scran.ac.uk/database/record.php?usi=000-000-579-605-C
I purchased this set from McGillivray Piping in October 2022. The link will take you to the archive with photos. https://piping.on.ca/product/hutcheon-suspected-circa-1890/
Here’s a link to a recent sound file. (My tuning may be off a wee bit).
This set is still in the same condition as described in the archive. There are a few minor issues; a blemish on the ferrule of one of the tenor drones, a pin missing from the ferrule on the bass drone stock, which probably led to the hairline crack along the pin on the other side of the ferrule. See photos.
Asking $2000 for sticks, stocks, vintage chanter, extra bottom bass joint, the Canning carbon fibre reeds and shipped in the USA. Any reasonable offer will be considered. I can provide a copy of my purchase invoice. I must ship within the United States.
Thank you for taking a look.
Jim
