Henderson, Peter
One of the longest standing pipemakers of the 20th century, the Peter Henderson name is synonymous with great tone. From 1880 until 1973, the Henderson shop on Renfrew Street in Glasgow was a hub for top pipers. Ironically Peter Henderson himself was only part of the business for about 20 years when he died in 1902. Below are some examples of fine Henderson bagpipes.
The set below is a great example of the last of the great Henderson pipes. Made in 1964, this set shows thick beads on the ferrules and was stamped on all 3 drones as well as the chanter. Thanks to Phil MacKenzie of Port Alberni for allowing me to photograph his pipes.
Bass Top
Catalin mounts are quite orange
Ferrule with "fat" bead
Side profile of the bass top, "Henderson" stamped just below the cord beads
Tenor tops
Bottom projecting mounts
"Henderson" stamped on the chanter
This full silver set, hallmarked 1952 comes from Jeff Cullen.
Beautiful Zoomorphic chanter sole, Glasgow hallmark 1952.
A good side profile shot of the whole set
Original owner, "Alex Hossack" ?
Thanks to PM Scot Kortegaard of Kamloops for letting me photograph his 1927 Silver and Ivory set below -
Unique Zoomorphic design
If you ever want to know what a Henderson bass bell looks like.....this is it!
Bass shoulder and ferrule
Stock ferrules and bottom projecting mounts
Tenor shoulders and ferrules....note the double scribe line. This mark was seen on and off from 1885 to 1965
Bass top and ringcap
Above - Bass drone top from an Ebony Henderson bagpipe dated 1886.
A hallmarked silver tuning slide from a 1922 Henderson bagpipe. Bagpipes with silver hallmarks make the job of identifying bagpipes easier.....sometimes
Above - a very unique Zoomorphic silver pattern on a set from 1937. Note the profile of the ivory projecting mount.
Great example of Henderson stocks
“Thanks to D.C. from Australia for the following pictures of his 1967 full ivory set” -
Name stamped on drone. This was more commonly seen in Hendersons later years(1960 to 1973)
This set from 1967 shows a thick bead on the ivory ferrule. The quality of Henderson bagpipes varied in the 60's, however there were a few gems in the mix. The sets with these thick ferrules and mounts produced the type of tone we associate with Henderson bagpipes.
Tenor drones
The double scribe line at the shoulder was seen on sets from the 1960's........ and also on sets from the 1880's(Below) and the 1920's.
The silver and ivory set from 1922 is completely intact!!
Great view of the bells and cord beads
Thanks to PM Gordon Pollock for letting me photograph his 1952 Hendersons below -
This Zoomorphic engraving was a special design made for the Queen's Coronation year
Zoomorphic tenor caps
Glasgow hallmark - 1952
This next set belongs to PM Mel Wilson… it was bought new in 1885 from the Henderson shop in Glasgow.
The old case is made from "Lyle Syrup" box
Nice side profile of the ivory projecting mount
Close up of the cord bead and combing
Thistle engaved German Silver chanter sole
This set sounds as great as it looks!!
Henderson practice chanter that was bought along with the pipes
Could I please send you pictures of a bagpipe I bought at auction in Edinburgh 2011 and had restored by Blue MacMurchie. I bought them believing them to be Hendersons from the late part of the 1800′s early 1900′s but now two knowledgable guys I know think they’re Lawries. I have a great history including photos of the original owner with them in the early 900′s so I know they are of that era. Any assistance would be greatly received. Have been looking at the Henderson section on your website and like some of the pictures posted on your site, mine have the double scribe lines.
Thank you