Robert G. Hardie learned his bagpipe making skills from Robert Reid and later made bagpipes for RG Lawrie. After WWII he had a brief business relationship with Hector Russell Bagpipes and with Piobmor Highland Industries before opening his own business in 1950. Hardie bagpipes enjoyed great popularity and demand in the 1950’s, 1960’s and early 1970’s. Hardie chanters also won several World Championships during those years. These chanters, although pitched much lower than modern chanters, are still greatly respected by solo pipers.
The pictures below will provide a glimpse into bagpipe making following WWII.
Considering the number of bagpipes that Hardie produced in the 1950’s and 1960’s they were very consistent with their product. Hardie secured a contract to supply the British Army and did so unfailingly. In the very early 1970’s they purchased Peter Henderson Ltd. and filled orders for Henderson bagpipes with something that was neither Henderson nor Hardie, but somewhere in between. Neither brand recovered after that until after the year 2000. There were reports that Hardie bagpipes in the 1990’s were being made in Pakistan. Many bagpipes went out with serious flaws. Thankfully, under present management, both brands have recovered and enjoy a loyal following today.
Early Hardie bagpipes can be challenging to distinguish from Henderson bagpipes of the same era. Of note, the cut-in atop the projecting mounts is much wider than found on Henderson bagpipe, extending well beyond the O/D of the facing ferrule. You will also find the shoulders of the tuning chambers to be quite severe. Also, a quick check of the mid-section small-bore will reveal a much smaller bore than will be found on Henderson bagpipes.
Examples of silver that can be found on RG Hardie bagpipes. FN if Frederick Narborough, D&N is Dalman and Narborough, and RGH is for RG Hardie although I suspect that it was Narborough who did the engraving.
