(click on pictures for larger verzion)
and in many ways better, fingering system. As on a
Boehm flute this system has fully-vented keys, meaning
all the keys below the note being played are open. This
system has an open G#. The all-fingers-off note is D,
not C#, allowing great flexibility in rapid passages.
There are many alternate fingerings available. In Britain
for many years the 1867 was almost as popular as the
standard Boehm. This particular flute was produced in
Germany and is Grenadilla with German Silver for the
keys and all other hardware. It has been restored to its
original configuration as patented by Rudall Carte in 1867.
It arrived at my studio with the two upper trill keys broken
and their holes badly plugged. The original patent did not
call for the upper trill keys to be present therefore I
disassembled the damaged keys and completely sealed
the upper trill holes with a combination of powdered
Grenadilla and quick set epoxy…the barrels’ interior
continuity was retained using a steel mandril to form
the inner surface of the fill. The flute is now in excellent
playable condition and is fitted with Valentino synthetic
pads…. As far as I know the last flute of this kind
played in a major orchestra was in 1947. It came
with a vintage case in very good condition (I don’t think
it is the original).
(Flute since sold.)
