SOLD – The William Sinclair and Sons company of Leith goes down as one of the leading modern pipemakers. The company began making pipes around 1930 and appears to have closed down as of last year with the death of the last Sinclair son.

This set came to me from its second owner, who acquired it from his cousin. Made in blackwood and mounted in engraved silver and ivory, the set is hallmarked 1968-69.

The original and well weathered lacquer finish was removed, and the sticks were checked for cracks and then refinished in the usual oil and wax. One small crack appeared at the top end of the blowstick, and this was invisible whipped.  The ring caps have numerous slight dents, visible up close, but inconspicuous.

The original Sinclair chanter and sole remain with the pipes.

True to Sinclair pipes, the set had a bright and full tone, steady and sonorous.  I played a set of silver and ivory Sinclairs through much of my competing days, so it was a familiar cheerful sound to me.