Pipes of War

Two important sets of bagpipes with provenance back to Pipe Major Robert Reid (1895-1965) will be offered in our upcoming Militaria Auction (12th February).

Robert Reid was born in Slamannan, Stirlingshire, where he was taught piping by John MacDougall Gillies.

He served in France and Palestine during WWI, becoming the Pipe Major of the 7th Battalion of the Highland Light Infantry.

He was an esteemed prize-winner in piping competitions – fifteen times winner at the Cowal Highland Games, sixteen at Bridge of Allan, multiple wins at Oban, Inverness, Skye, Braemar, Aboyne, London, Crieff and further – also publishing a book of bagpipe music in 1933, The Piper’s Delight.

He had a bagpipe making business after the war, at 60 George Street in Glasgow, where he operated from 1932-1957.

One set, lot 27, are worth a special mention. These include a chanter by Peter Henderson of Glasgow with a silver sole assayed for 1914 – the year of the outbreak of the war.

Both sets are offered with a note from descendants of this most noteworthy of bagpipers.

Further entries are invited for the upcoming Militaria Auction are invited for a limited time. For a complimentary, no-obligation valuation, visit our Glasgow Galleries or contact a specialist on 0141 810 2880 or auction@mctears.co.uk.