This set of circa 1920s Lawries in ebony has full ivory mounts and engraved Sterling silver tuning slides. Though the slides display the typical “RGL” maker’s mark, there are no date marks. However, the previous owner had the pipes pegged at the 1920s, and the use of ebony and the patina of the ivory along with a few spider lines on the projecting mounts would easily support this.

The bass top section had a very visible crack that has been sealed and whipped, and while it can still just barely be seen up very close, it will pose no problems. The chanter stock and one tenor stock exhibited hairline cracks and have also been whipped. However, the wood is of exceptional quality and in exceptional condition and all pieces ran true on the lathe. The cracking is very typical of an ebony set of this age — almost impossible to avoid, but worth the added tonal qualities of ebony.

The blowstick stock is a poly-lined reproduction with the orignal mount. The remaining stocks may or may not be original — they are ebony and a perfect match to the set — but the ivory mounts are not original, with three in one style and two slightly different. However, the patina matches the mounts on the drones perfectly, and the overall effect is pretty seamless. The entire set has been refinished.

The tone matches the elegant look of the pipes — rich and full, though not booming. They are steady, they tune in the right places, and they blend well with the chanter. It’s a well used but beautiful set with classic Lawrie tonal character.