Boldon Auction Galleries

An early 19^th century set of composite Northumbrian smallpipes, the stocks stamped ‘Reid’, the African hardwood chanter having seven brass keys stamped ‘Burleigh’, numbered ‘1063’.  The four drones with brass ivory and African hardwood, stamped ‘Reid’ on the fruitwood stock.  The bellows possibly by Reid (restored) with ivory air inlet fitting, along with an additional ivory chanter and other smallpipes spares.

Estimate £400 - £600

To be offered on Wednesday 10^th April 2019 in the Antique and Interiors Sale

                                                                              

Viewing

Saturday 6^th April 10am-1pm, Tuesday 9^th April 2pm-6pm and 

morning of auction from 9am

                                                                                  

The term Northumbrian Pipes relates to three types of bagpipe played in the North East of England, particularly Northumberland and Tyne and Wear.  They are Northumbrian Smallpipes, Border Pipes and Half-Longs.

                            

Northumbrian Smallpipes are a melodious bellows blown bagpipe developed by makers in Newcastle upon Tyne and North Shields from the end of the 18^th century.  They are quiet in comparison with other bagpipes and normally played indoors.  Consisting of one chanter with a number of metal keys (usually seven) and four drones.  The chanter has a closed end and is played with closed fingering meaning that traditional Northumbrian piping is staccato in style.  Three drones are usually sounded at once, tuned to G, D and g for example if the tonic of the tune is G.

In subsequent years, the design of the Northumbrian Smallpipes was developed and refined further by Robert Reid (1784-1837) who is widely acknowledged as the creator of the modern form of the Northumbrian Smallpipes.  Living and working in North Shields at the mouth of the River Tyne he was joined by his son James until Robert’s death in 1837.  After his death James continued the business alone making and repairing Smallpipes.  The firm of Reid is well renowned for its true craftsmanship, complexity and expertise as well as the development of the addition of more keys to the chanters permitting the playing of tunes with a wider range of notes.