R. Cubitt & Co Cocus 8-Key, D

This Pratten-style flute in D at A=440 features cocus wood with nickel silver keys. Completely restored with new pads, head lining pulled and resealed, and cracks pinned. Very resonant with strong, powerful tone. Originally designed for higher reference pitch (likely A=452), it maintains excellent intonation and power at A=440 when extended approximately 5/8 inch on the tuning slide. Low C# and C keys have potential but will need further adjustment if the player wishes to use them.

The flute bears the stamp "R. Cubitt & Co., 4 Frith St. London, Late W.D. Cubitt" with serial number 703. Robert Cubitt (born 1857), son of brass instrument maker W.D. Cubitt, established his musical instrument business at 4 Frith Street, Soho, after a career as a singer. The "Late W.D. Cubitt" marking indicates this instrument was sold after his father's business closed in 1887. Robert operated as an importer and dealer, later merging his business with his London agency of Joseph Higham, which opened in 1892. This flute dates to the brief period of Robert Cubitt's independent operation at Frith Street.