The most prolific maker of Northumbrian Smallpipes, David Burleigh made in excess of 3200 sets over the last 40 years. There is a definite progression in the style of the instruments over time and most of the sets are numbered – which means most can be fairly accurately dated. There are however some contradictions in the dates reported for early instruments (#250 – #500)
Amateur period
7 or 9 key sets stamped “Armstrong-Burleigh” on the low E or D key – these sets are not numbered. Typically blackwood and nickel silver (although some brass sets are known). The keys were all handmade and the drones have turned thick walled sliders rather than rolled tube and the stopper pistons typically have distinct ‘acorn’ ends.
Semi-Pro Period
Primarily making on his own and producing more sets but still working as a taxidermist at the Hancock Museum. The ‘Armstrong’ stamp stops appearing in this period (it is unclear whether this was by choice or request). These sets still feature the acorn piston ends, are hand crafted and very much in the pattern of the earlier sets.
late ‘Armstrong-Burleigh’
7k F set with nickel silver undressed ferrules, catalin drone caps (estimated date)
Reid Pattern: Ivory & Silver
Copied from a early 19thC Robert Reid set – this ivory and silver mounted set of pipes was made by the maker for himself.
#1053
11key F set (G#’s & Fnat’s), complex drones (2 beads on G), handmade keys
#1180
7k F set – simple drones
#2395
A 7k concert D set with 4 drones and single tuning bead.
#2776
7k Concert G Chanter (only)
#2829
11 key F set – cast keys
#3269
Set #3269 is the last known set produced from the Longframlington workshop
Retirement
David stop taking new orders and retired from making new sets although he continued to service his own sets. The business was offered as a ‘going concern’ but ultimately the workshop in Longframlington was closed. The Northumbrian Pipers’ Society acquired the remaining stock of parts and have made these available to members interested in making their own sets. Unfortunately the work books with details of all of the instruments made were not kept.
My Burleighs were 1700 and something, bought from Hobgoblin in 1997. So they were made some time before that. I get the feeling they had been a while in the shop. That fits your timeline quite smoothly.
I have set 2354 which I bought in about 1993
Hi, my Burleighs are stamped 1805 and the date I have from the original owner is late 1980s – 1990.