(click on pictures for larger verzion)
It has a modern closed G# and a reverse Briccialdi Bb (as Boehm originally proposed). There are also two (2) original extensions, so that it can be played at slightly different pitches without compromising the integrity of the flute.
There is also the original rosewood crutch and a small turned rosewood cork grease container.
The flute case is original and has an unmarked sterling silver plate on the lid. The only thing missing is the cleaning swab-stick.
The embouchure hole is original and is encircled with a 3" sterling silver band.
The head and foot joints are both stamped Rudall Carte & Co. London with a cartouche of the crown. The main body section is stamped with the Crown cartouche, Rudall Carte & Co., 23 Berners Street Oxford Street, London 1473 (serial number).
I have made several repairs, correcting old repairs. The main body was pinned just below the upper tenon joint and between the two trill keys to seal a crack. The “fix” was very poor and I completely undid the poor early work and completed a modern very effective repair using new materials. I removed the old pinning wire, resealed the crack and rebuilt the trill tone holes. I also sealed the crack running inside the bore and smoothed out the early irregularities.
The silver embouchure band had not shrunk with the wood of the headjoint and I resealed it to make it air tight.
I rebuilt the edge of the D# tone hole of the foot joint and also repaired a very fine crack running from the foot joint tenon through the D# tone hole and about 8mm beyond.
The crown screw mechanism was completely stripped and I rebuilt the thread using a combination of epoxy and ground up rosewood. I made a mold of the interior thread of the crown cap and reset the original stripped screw in it. It is now the same thread as the original but stronger and works smoothly.
I soldered a broken kicker of the foot joint C# key back to its’ silver key tube. It now works perfectly. All the pads and corks are new.
This is a wonderful concert flute…worthy of both a fine collection and a serious player. In testing this flute I think it is one of the best instruments I've ever played and I’m proud to offer it as an example of my talent as a restorer and as the terrific instrument it is.
