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Rudall & Rose No. 4871 — Cocuswood, Silver Keys, Two Headjoints
A fine Rudall & Rose eight-keyed flute in cocuswood with silver keys and a pewter Eb key, featuring interlocking C/C♯ keys. Stamped "Rudall & Rose No 1 Tavistock St Covent Garden London," placing its manufacture between 1838 and 1847.
This flute is notable for having both a patent head and a standard headjoint, housed in its original double case fitted to accommodate both heads. A signed certificate and serial number accompany the instrument.
The flute has been fully restored by renowned maker and restorer Colin Hamilton. Both headjoints had cracks from prior superficial repairs — Colin pulled the liners on each for proper restorations and rebuilt components of the patent mechanism. The standard headjoint had a full-length crack addressed in the same manner. All joints have been re-threaded, keys repadded, and the instrument thoroughly cleaned. The double case has also been restored, though the small top catch on the lock mechanism is missing and will need a closure solution. All sections, keyblocks, and components are original to the instrument.
Both headjoint/barrel combinations seal fully. The flute speaks easily and cleanly down to low C. With the standard headjoint, the flute plays excellently — responsive, with good energy — and is the most practical of the two configurations for playing at modern pitch. Sounding length with the patent head is 574.5mm; with the standard head, 579.5mm. When cold, the standard head plays at A440 with a slide extension of roughly 15–20mm depending on the player.
The patent head offers an interesting historical playing experience, though as is typical of these mechanisms, it demands a bit more from the player. The standard head is where this flute truly shines.
A well-documented example from one of the most important periods of Rudall & Rose's production, now fully restored and ready to play.
Condition: Used - Excellent
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