Combed and beaded African Blackwood, Ivxry projecting mounts, engraved sterling silver slides and ferrules in Thistle pattern. This set was hand made in Scotland by RG Hardie bagpipe shop in Glasgow, Scotland somewhere between 1969 and 1971, as evidenced by the silver hallmarks. They were then sent to the US, imported by the Scottish Shopper bagpipe shop in Seattle, WA owned by Jack Ironside. They were sold to the original owner in 1971, and I have the original sales slip to be included as proof of importing in the pre-ban period of Ivxry imports in 1976/1977.
I purchased this set as the second or third owner in 2016 which is when the photos I have were taken.
I have played them in Grade 1 individual competition in the US and band functions as well as public and private jobs since then up until the Covid epidemic of 2020 dissolved most pipe band gatherings. I have since moved from Cape Cod to the Pioneer Valley in western Massachusetts and no longer play with a band, but occasionally play them for my own satisfaction.
They produce a classic Hardie tone, not bold but very sweet with excellent steadiness and blend. There is no original pipe chanter included with this set, but I will include a Strathmore poly chanter as well as cords, etc. The Ivxry is firm and solid despite a few age cracks which are evident in the photos.
The original blowpipe mouthpiece with silver and ivory bulb was not sent to me when I purchased this set, therefore i can only supply the black delrin one that was included. Also included is a flat hard covered pipe majors case.
