You may wonder why I’ve included this exhibit. The obvious quick assessment of this bagpipe is that it was made in the Middle East (India or Pakistan). A closer look will tell you much more. The ferrules, tuning slides, and caps are not sterling silver and the design is deeply cut into the metal. Ferrules and caps are pinned to the wood, which was a technique that faded away shortly after WWI. The mounts are all two-piece and made of ivory, which has badly discolored. Scribe lines are cut into two of the mounts and stained to create an accent. There are ivory bushings under the metal caps, which speaks to a higher standard of craftsmanship. There are no hemp-stops. The blowpipe is cracked the entire length. There may also be two different woods within this bagpipe. The stocks and blowpipe appear to be sheesham wood stained black. Other pieces may be African Blackwood.
During the British occupation of those regions, those with turning skills were dispatched to perform repairs for the pipers. Some stayed and established businesses that survive today. This bagpipe appears to be from that period and reflects standards that were in place at that time. Who made it and how it sounds can’t be determined from these pictures. Very interesting and a worthy exhibit.
