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musical instrument details

Robertson Bagpipes, Casein Mounted: 1930s-50s

Estimated price for orientation: 1 350 $

Category: Bagpipes
Class:











Description
Condition: Used: An item that has been used previously. The item may have some signs of cosmetic wear, but is fully operational and functions as intended. This item may be a floor model or store return that has been used. See the seller’s listing for full details and description of any imperfections. See all condition definitions- opens in a new window or tab ... Read moreabout the condition Country/Region of Manufacture: United Kingdom


This is a fully casein mounted set of 1930's to 1950's Robertson bagpipes, likely made of blackwood instead of ebony.  The blackwood itself is in terrific shape, with minor dings here and there and a sizable percentage of the original finish intact.  The only majors faults to it are a pin repair on the bass mid section (barely noticeable and well done) and heavy dings on the bass bell.  Those dings are quite old and rounded off.  The blowpipe is cracked and repaired, but should be further repaired or replaced.  Casein fittings are rare; the mounts, caps, and ferrules on this set are anywhere from good to less than good; 75% of it exhibits normal checking and light cracks, but are sound and have little to no chalkiness.  Only two mounts need replacing due to cracks (blowpipe mount and one tenor bottom mount).  Casein can be restored to a nice ivory color then sealed to keep it that way, or kept as is.  An interesting/irritating note:  it appears somebody tried to paint a couple of the mounts white at some point, but a subsequent owner removed all of it other than the occasional fleck.  (it would easily come off with steel wool, especially if you have a lathe and plan on restoring)  There are three (3) replacement stocks with delrin ferrules, made by MacMurchie out of blackwood.  They're good matches and the delrin looks like restored casein.  Overall, this is a great vintage instrument and quite rare because of the casein.  From the small amount of play time I had with them, they sounded very nice as a Robertson should.  With a little elbow grease from a qualified bagpipe restorer, these will be quite terrific and very collectible.