B.S. Dulcett Improved 8-Key

Barnett Samuel & Sons was a prominent London musical instrument dealer and manufacturer active through the nineteenth and into the twentieth century, trading under various marks including "Dulcett" for their woodwind offerings. This instrument is stamped as a Dulcett Improved model and was originally configured as an eight-keyed simple-system flute.

The flute has had a significant restoration history. The original footjoint was found damaged with broken mounting blocks and missing C keys; it now plays as a six-keyed instrument. Wear and prior repairs have obscured most of the original maker's stamping, though some remains visible on the tuning barrel. All sections seal and the instrument is in playable condition.

This is a high-pitch instrument, likely pitched at A=452. To bring it to A=440, the tuning slide requires approximately 22mm of extension. The bottom D tends to run flat and benefits from some embouchure adjustment to bring into tune. A historically interesting instrument in restored playing condition, best suited to a player comfortable working with period-pitch instruments or experienced in adapting to older flutes.