A gem of a man, and one of the great piping icons of the last 75 years, Bob Hardie made pipes beginning in 1950, and his company was one of the most prolific in the 20th century. He was an excellent craftsman, and the quality and seasoning of the wood the company used is exemplified by how many sets today still have perfectly true tuning chambers that don’t bind on the hemp.

This bagpipe had one owner who purchased it new in 1952. One tenor top had a hairline crack that has been stopped in its tracks, and the bagpipe has been refinished. The blowpipe appears to be a Lawrie with an ivory mount, and while it’s not a perfect match, neither is it distracting.

Hardie pipes are known for their subdued tone, a “mellow” sound many pipers favour. Elsewhere on this page, you will see Hardie pipes that have been rebored to Henderson specs, but the tone of this set was surprisingly rich and buzzy — much like some old Glen sets — so these bores have been left alone. Hardie pipes are well known for being steady and easy to reed.

The ivory is in absolutely immaculate condition, the tuning chambers are perfect, and the pipe is attractive and tuneful.