All engraving is crafted by hand. Only .925 Sterling silver for its durability, strength, and bright natural sheen. All mounts are fashioned in-house so to ensure the very finest quality craftsmanship. Silver pieces (ferrules, caps, slides, and tapers) are made on-site in the David Naill and Co. Ltd. workshop. Afterward the pieces are sent to the Assay Office in London, where the silver is appraised, tested, and struck with the quality mark (hallmarked).
The result is an instrument both visually stunning and distinguished. The following hand engraved designs are available in certain models.
Thistle Design
Thistle design pays tribute to the national emblem of Scotland. The flower was adopted as the Emblem of Scotland during the rein of Alexander III (1249 -1286). Legend has it, the army of King Haakon of Norway, intent on conquering the Scots, landed at the Coast of Largs at night. Hoping to surprise the sleeping Scottish Clansmen, the Norsemen removed their footwear in order to move more stealthily. Fortunately one of their soldiers stepped on a spiny little flower (the thistle) and yelled out in pain, alerting the Clansmen of the coming danger. Needless to say, the Scots won the day.
Runic Design
The history of rune symbols appear as far back as 1300 BC. Ancient Vikings believed that the Runes were the gift of Ódhinn. The word rune itself comes from the old Norse word Runa meaning a secret or mystery. Century’s later runes were used by the peoples of ancient Britain, and have come to represent many things (gods, people, animals, concepts and occurrences).
Dragon Design
Dragons are one of the most popular mythological creatures. They descend from various legends, telling tales of fire-breathing, winged creatures. Dragons carry meanings of courage, strength, power, wisdom, and are known as protectors of sacred items. This design is carved with wonderful swirling spirals transcendent of Celtic knotwork, depicting two dragon heads facing each other.
Reposse Design
Reposse Style is hand engraved to look like Reposse. This specific style of metalwork takes great skill and experience to craft, therefore we assign the task to our most seasoned engraving artists. The Reposse design technique has been widely used throughout antiquity, from the ancient Ireland to modern day. This design features an interlace pattern similar to a Dara Celtic knot. Dara (or doire) is the Irish word for oak tree, and represents meanings of power, destiny, wisdom, strength, endurance, and leadership.
Victorian Design
Victorian design is a decorative art most noted for its orderliness and ornamentation. The style originated during the Victorian era (the period of British Queen Victoria’s reign 1837-1901). The era is known for its eclectic revival and interpretation of historic styles and the introduction of cross-cultural influences from the middle east and Asia. This design gives any set of bagpipes a classical and sophisticated appeal.
Acanthus Design
Leaf borders and scroll motifs were used extensively in the art and architecture of ancient Greece and Rome often used especially as a decoration for Corinthian column capitals. Foremost of these was the acanthus motif. Some say the acanthus, one of the oldest flowers in the Mediterranean area, represents long life or immortality.