This is an interesting James Robertson set, in that it is a mix of ebony and blackwood, suggesting a date of manufacture of around 1940 or a bit earlier. The ivory projecting mounts are Robertson’s distinctive design; the ferrules are nickel. The chanter is likely original to the set.

The bass and blowpipe stock match the set, while the chanter and tenor stocks may be replacements, though not readily apparent to the untrained eye.

All other pieces are original. There are no cracks or repairs, and just a couple of tiny age chips in the ivory. The pipes have been refinished.

The sound is typical of Robertson consistency: big, bold and steady.