DescriptionThis ivory 8 (silver)-keyed flute is in five sections. It is an elegant instrument with 7 decorated silver ferrules, an ivory cap, metal tuning slide, screw-stopper and cork added beneath the touches to reduce key noise. The keytouches themselves are slim and some overlap, and the finger-holes small. The embouchure-hole is slightly oval. The ivory has a distinctive grain and attractive patina. The overall size is 670mm and the sounding length (embouchure to foot) is 594mm.
Unfortunately, some broken mounts, cracks in the head and tuning slide section and a non-functional screw-stopper, the instrument is unplayable in its present condition.
Technical description: Ivory; 5 sections; silver keys; 7 decorated silver ferrules; ivory cap; screw-stopper; metal tuning-slide; small, slightly oval embouchure-hole; small finger-holes; cork added beneath touches to reduce key noise; elegant instrument with distinctive grain and slim keytouches; G♯ key-hole set on nearside, with shank passing over instrument, C keyshank arched to avoid it; low C and C♯ keys are depressed by shanks passing down instrument raising shanks at right angles; they have overlapping touches.
Keymount type: knob, and saddles.
Keyhead type: saltspoon.
Signature marks: The instrument is stamped “DROUET / LONDON” and (on the silver plate riveted to the tuning slide section) engraved “J Gray” in script.
Performance characteristics: [Original range C⁴ - C⁷]. Very few notes playable in present condition; these are not of reliable pitch.
Repair History: Repadded; C mount, and piece chipped from upper tenon, replaced with lighter ivory. |