Here is a set of Lawries from the company’s prime, likely from the time when John MacColl managed the pipemaking. The silver is not hallmarked, but the small bead on the ivory and upper profiles suggest very early Lawrie, perhaps even earlier than WW1.

It is difficult to tell what wood has been used since the lacquer finish hides it, but I suspect it is blackwood since the pipes appear to be free of cracks. The ivory has some minor dents, but overall the pipes are in superb shape.

The make of the chanter is unknown, but it plays well and appears fairly modern. The lack of a maker’s name on it suggests it might be a “back-door” item, likely a Sinclair.

The pipes are classic Lawrie: big, bold, steady, and with a velvety richness that permeates the room.

They appear to have lived their life in Scotland, and were played in the Muirhead & Sons band in Grade 1 during the 1960s and, more recently, the Boghall & Bathgate Grade 1 band.

These are classic vintage Lawries at their best.

Email me about this set.