This is a visually stunning set of Lawries that were presented in 1950 to a retiring pipe major. Three shields on the drone stocks all state, “Presented to Pipe Major G. J. Pate, 1950, The Irish Regiment of Canada.”

The pipes are in superb condition. They were refinished, and no cracks were found, except for the blowstick, which has been replaced with a poly-lined blackwood replica. One nice feature of the pipes is that while they are full silver, the projecting mounts aren’t solid. so they don’t weigh a ton the way some full silvers do.

The chanter that came with the pipes is an old Hardie, and the engraving pattern on the sole is not a match for the pipes.

During this period, Lawrie was still producing some vintage classics, and this set seems to be one of them — bold and steady much like the great pre-1945 Hendersons.

If you like bling, it’s hard to beat this set, and the tone certainly supports the visuals!