Douglas and Son Ltd. Glasgow, Scotland. According to Jeannie Campbell, Hugh Douglas was a maker of bugles and military instruments. They appeared in the Glasgow trade directories from 1914 to 1925 as bagpipe makers and musical instrument makers.
In my research, I’ve encountered several bagpipes that were said to be “Douglas” or “Douglas and Son”. Most were identified by the stamped chanter, however this is not a reliable means of identifying the maker of a bagpipe. My frustration stems from similarities with Henderson and Lawrie bagpipes. Other “Douglas” bagpipes resembled neither. My conclusion is that Douglas probably had different sources for their bagpipes and perhaps only owned their stamp. I have no doubt that there are some Douglas bagpipes that are simply outstanding, however the actual maker may be difficult to determine.
With respect to the pictures immediately below, I received the following email.
Ringo, I have picked up another set of pipes that you might be interested in. They are silver and ivory mounted. Hallmarked 1922. The manufacturers hallmark is “D&S Ltd”; which i assume means they are Douglas & Sons Ltd Pipes. I have read that they were a music shop etc. and probably not who made the pipes. In my opinion these pipes are 100% Lawrie. Outstanding workmanship, looks and sound. They truly are beautiful pipes in outstanding original condition. All parts are original. I do not however have the original chanter, but the original silver sole is still there. Likewise with the silver and ivory mouthpiece; the silver sleeve is present but ivory bulb is missing. All ivory and wood is crack free. In my opinion these look identical to Lawrie bagpipes but with nicer silver. Still thistle engraved but more detailed than most RGL silver. The better part is, the history of pipes has been documented on paper in the box from day one. They were purchased new here in New Zealand in 1922 by John Millar. He then pawned them to a music store in 1930 when John Wilson’s father brought them. (John Wilson being 9 yrs old at this stage). John then played the pipes til 1994 when he gave up and sold them to my late piping tutor, Neil McMillan. Neil played these pipes up until his death late last year. Neil’s son inherited the pipes, but he never played them as he owns a set of silver and ivory MacDougalls!. A family decision was recently made to sell the pipes, so i have purchased them for sentimental value mainly; but in saying that, I am very impressed with there performance.
They are a stunning set of pipes, and mean much due to their history. I can confirm however that they are NOT tied up with THE John Wilson. John Wilson was a piper here in NZ in a small town called Browns. (30 minutes out of Invercargill). Was a reasonably good piper from what i believe.
Many thanks
I’m not sure about 1922, as the Glasgow date letter seems to be 1913.
These two images below are of a Douglas & Son bagpipe made from Kingwood. Of course, it had been stained black and only during restoration was the true nature of the wood revealed. The Douglas bagpipe at the bottom of the page reminds me of an Adamson bagpipe. Truly, Douglas bagpipes remain a bit of a mystery at this point in time.
