Glen, David

Alexander Glen died in 1873. Several of Alexander’s sons became bagpipe makers, working within the family business. David, Alexander’s 13th child by his second marriage, was born in 1853 and joined the business at about age 16. David took over the business following Alexander’s death. The picture at the top right is of Alexander and David ca. 1871. David would have been around 18 years old at the time.

He opened David Glen Bagpipe Maker in 1873. He was assisted in the business by three of his sons. In 1912 the firm changed to David Glen and Sons. David Sr. died in 1916. Alexander (Sandy) and David Jr. continued the business as such until David Jr retired from the business in 1949. The remaining stock was sold to J & R Glen at that time. If you’re interested in the Glen family there is an excellent book entitled The Glen Descendants of George Glen(1724 – 1804) ISBN 0-9695019-0-0.

The David Glen bagpipe below was auctioned on EBAY and identified by means of the maker’s stamp. Quite an unusual bagpipe by David.

It is very difficult, if not impossible, to distinguish a David Glen bagpipe from those made as David Glen & Sons bagpipes. This is perhaps because so many of David’s brothers and sons were involved in the business. You might be lucky to find a very faint stamp just beneath the ferrule on the bass drone stock. One thing that is consistent is the very high quality of materials and workmanship. Various profiles changed over the years and from time-to-time however everything was done to please the eye. The standard of Glen bagpipes (all the Glens) ranks among the highest throughout the industry.