This set of Robertson pipes came to me with a brass plate on the bass drone giving the owner’s name and the words “Christmas, 1949.” I have taken this as the date of manufacture. The plate did not compliment the look of the pipes and has been removed, though it will be included with the pipes.

The pipes are full ivory mounted. They were in storage for some time, so some of the ivory has slight stain marks, though the overall patina is a lovely honey colour. The original finish was in very good condition and has been left.

The engraved slides lack hallmarking and were most likely added later. The hand-engraving is deeply cut and beautifully done. While the original chanter is missing, the sole remains.

The pipes were free of any cracking and the bores are straight and true. The drones play with typical Robertson power and steadiness and were easy to reed.

The stock bores are slightly tapered, as was Robertson’s practice in earlier days. The sole can be taken as is or added to a chanter for CAD $95.