B.S. Dulcet 8-Key

Offered for restoration. The headjoint requires resealing, and the foot keys, which use pewter plugs for the low C# and C, are currently leaking. The instrument is likely pitched at high pitch, approximately A=452 Hz, as was standard for British concert use before the adoption of low pitch in the early twentieth century.

Construction is cocuswood with German silver (cupro-nickel) fittings, with the low C# and C foot keys fitted with pewter plugs in the manner typical of the type. The instrument is stamped with the B.S. Dulcet trademark, which includes an orchestral triangle with beater, along with "LONDON IMPROVED." The consignor dates this example to approximately 1840, which would place it among the earlier examples of the Dulcet line.

About the Maker

The firm of Barnett Samuel was established in 1832, originally in Sheffield, and moved to London around 1860. In 1861, Henry Solomon sold the musical instrument side of his business to Barnett Samuel. By 1872, Barnett's eldest son had been taken into partnership and the firm's title became Barnett Samuel and Son. The company made some of their own instruments and had many made by the usual "makers to the trade" of the time. By the time the company incorporated as Barnett Samuel and Sons Ltd. in 1901, the firm was one of the largest musical instrument wholesalers in the country. The Dulcet name was applied across a range of their wind instruments, from large-bore simple-system flutes down to penny whistles.