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John Thow is thought to have made bagpipes as early as 1853. John died in 1879. His son David continued
making bagpipes until his death in 1916. David's sons, John and George continued the business as Thow
Brothers. John died in 1923 and George died in 1940. Thow Brothers continued to make bagpipes until
1952. The firm was apparently run by George's daughter Marjorie Thow and perhaps a brother, George W
R Thow.
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According to Jeanne Campbell, John Thow was listed as a musical instrument maker begining in 1853.
From 1874 to 1878 he is listed as a bagpipe and violin maker, as well as his other skills and trades.
Below is a violin bearing a paper label (inside the body) that reads "J. Thow Dundee".
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The following pictures are of what is thought to be a very early Thow bagpipe. Taking into consideration
the known history of the bagpipe it was probably made by John Thow. The original chanter (which matched
this set) was stamped "Thow" and is therefore accepted as reliable authentication of the bagpipe itself.
The bagpipe came to Canada in 1880 from Nairnshire Scotland. They were the property of James McIntosh
who eventually settled in a small village close to Cowansville, Quebec, although at that time is was
called Freeport. James was a blacksmith and distinguished himself making plows.
This bagpipe
appears to have some replacement parts however it is still an excellent exhibit. The combing is filled
with sediment and they have obviously been over-coated. The present owner is the great grandson of James
McIntosh.
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The images below are of a much later Thow bagpipe, probably made between the great wars.
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