The following is taken from a 1930s catalogue of the famous Glasgow firm of pipe makers……
To our customers we offer this our latest catalogue, hoping that the confidence and goodwill which has for so long existed may continue in the future.
To prospective customers we hope this catalogue will prove of value to them and lead to business associations that will be to our mutual advantage.
To old friends we tender our thanks, and of new and old alike we beg space to say a little about the House of Henderson, famous since 1868 for the manufacture of Bagpipes, Highland Costumes, and Ornaments.
The late Mr Peter Henderson [above], founded in Scotland and introduced to the public, the firm of Peter Henderson, in 1868.
A piper of great ability, he set a standard in bagpipe manufacture that has never been surpassed. Ninety-five per cent of professional Pipers all over the world are using Henderson Pipes, while ninety per cent of the competing bands at all contests use our instruments in order to obtain a clearness and uniformity of tone that can only be produced from these pipes.
Perusal of the prize lists at Oban, Inverness, Braemar, Bridge of Allan, Cowal, or other of the leading Games in Scotland or any other country where such gatherings are held, will convince you that Henderson Pipes top the list with a very large majority.
Among the orders received from all over the world have been requests for sets Full Mounted in Gold; completely in Ivory; and fully carved sets; all of which have been carried out in our own workshops.
When, a few years after the foundation of the firm, the popularity of Highland Dress and Customs was revived by the interest of Royalty, the late Mr Peter Henderson reaped the reward of his foresight and the high standard he set in all matters pertaining to Scotland’s National Dress.
Only Tartans woven in the best mills of his native land were to be found in his stock, and no Tartan was too rare to find a niche on his shelves.
Since our inception in 1868, the traditions of the House of Henderson have been steadfastly adhered to, and each year our trade, both at home and overseas, is steadily expanding.
- To be continued. Do you own a set of authentic Henderson pipes? Do they have a tale to tell? Share it on PP. Email editor@pipingpress.com.
Forgot to mention that I’m a professional piper in Las Vegas Nevada United States. Played them for 3 U.S. presidents, Bush, Obama twice and Trump, as well as many movie stars and dignitaries. Played now not in war but in peace, still giving people the music that they expect. They play today as well as they did when they came out of the shop. I’ll never play anything else except Henderson bagpipes.
Play a 130 year old hendersons in Ebony, wood mounts , ivory ring caps and buttons. Played them all my piping life, 57 years. Tuned in Bb. Chanter is a Carbony Celtic Winds carbon fiber chanter in Bb with a Malcolm McLaren synthetic chanter reed and antique Original Ross carbon fiber drone reeds with drone extenders, Bannatyne large hybrid leather/synthetic bag. Pipes were originally bought for my great, great grandfather by his father in 1885. Passed to his son my great grandfather in WWI. Then passed to my grandfather to play in WWII with the Seaforth Highlanders in Africa to Italy to Normandy. Then slept in the case waiting for me.
Those prices ! That was when a pound (£1) was really worth something (like a week’s wages) and the equivalent of around five American dollars ($5).