ABW with Sterling Silver and imitation ivory. Believed to be ca 1990.
As a boy, Donald W. McTaggart received instruction in the 48th Highlanders Cadet Pipe Band. Many of the instruments within the band were made by Angus Valliere, a native-born Scot living in Toronto. Valliere was believed to have been a turner for either Peter Henderson or RG Lawrie in Glasgow prior to immigrating to Canada in the 1930s. Profiles of the subject bagpipe lean more toward Lawrie.
McTaggart learned his bagpipe making skills from Valliere and following his service in WWII set up shop making bagpipes on a part-time basis. In 1984 he decided to specialize in top-end silver and ivory instruments, according to Jeannie Campbell in her book Highland Bagpipe Makers. He registered his own hallmark, based on his initials, DWM. He was still alive in 2011 and was making the occasional bagpipe. It is assumed that McTaggart fashioned his own silver fixtures.
Email me for additional pictures and information. If you have additional information on McTaggart, I would be very interested. Thanks. Ringo
