No, we never really answered the question posed by Les. Somewhere in the 1700-early 1800s period there should be a better answer. So far, the only answers are anecdotal-speculative.

Lots of other interesting information came up, however.

Thanks to Pied Piper for reminding me of the Bruegel piper. I used to have a copy on my wall at school. Amazing the people who commented on his headgear- everything from an early aviator's helmet, early football (American) helmet to earmuffs. Somewhere I saw a picture of a 14th c. Catalan bagpipe- have to try to find it.