This Henderson set is thought to date from around 1930, give or take 10 years. The ring caps were very old catalin, and the ferrules were nickel, neither of which did justice to the pristine wood and tone of this set. I don’t very often mess with original Hendersons, but this set needed an aesthetic makeover, so they were ‘half-silvered’ with lovely Ancient Celtic. The bushes are blackwood.

The chanter is original but has no sole. A matching silver sole can be acquired for this chanter, or whatever chanter is selected for the pipes. The sticks were in immaculate condition, well cared for and played until recently by a friend of mine in New York state. The wood required no refinishing.

The pipes are full and rich Henderson: steady and easily reeded. A great old set, done up beautifully, if I do say so myself.