Though not the typical high-end vintage fare usually offered on this page, this set came to me out of the blue in good condition and played nicely, so I thought I would offer it as a very affordable ‘semi-vintage’ set. The set was likely made in the 1960s, and while some might call that vintage, to me, a set of pipes is not vintage unless it’s older than me!

This Lawrie set is typical of the firm’s offerings in the 1960s and 1970s, with the most recognizable feature being the drone ferrules with a thick bead an no scribe lines. The nickel ferrules on the stocks only are unusual, but the stocks appear to be original. They add a nice bit of variety to the appearance of the pipes. The drone bushes are ivory, which is quite common among imitation ivory pipes prior to the 1970s. I have no idea why they put ivory bushes on imitation ivory pipes, but you see it all the time.

This set is all original except for the blowpipe and mount, which were missing. No other work was required. The finish is original.

Though not the bold and magical sound of the true vintage Lawries made prior to the mid-1950s, the tone from these drones is nonetheless full and steady:  a solid, work-a-day pipe, easily reeded and nicely made with well seasoned wood.