Anonymous Instruments

ANONYMOUS INSTRUMENTS: 
PICCOLO / BOXWOOD FLUTE

 

This is a so called stencil instrument. Especially in the 

19th and early 20th century it was quite common for 

instrument builders to supply instruments to dealers left 

unmarked. The dealer was able to put his own name on 

the instrument. Some details are very specific however

so within time we will find the actual manufacturer.

As can be seen on this picture most of these woodwinds

were at least at the joint reinforced with a metal tube.

Hence it wasn't that bad when a crack appeared in the 

wood at some parts. The metal prevents it from leaking.

This 6 keyed piccolo hasn't been altered yet as

at this moment too often happens in order to obtain

a louder tone e.g. the enlarging of the holes and

lipopening.

The midsection of this instrument that is crackfree!

These older instrument may not be the loudest
but their sound is so sweet that even piccolo haters
will love it!

BOXWOOD 5-KEYED FLUTE

This flute has been made out of boxwood en therefore
a very light instrument. Boxwood is quite precious and
harder to find but its resonance is incredible: A great
sounding instrument. As often happens this is a so
called stencil instrument made for one of the many dealers.

BONNEVILLE AUGUSTE

This beautiful plated Bonneville flute recently has been added to the

collection. As far as the sound goes these instruments are

hardly beatable!

For those who have seen more Bonneville engravings

this one must turn up to be a bit strange:

The addition of "Excelsior".

It's number places it between 1910 and 1920.

A shot of the tail of this unaltered instrument:

Sounding length proves to be about 602 mm.

No changes on the lipplate as well.

You do not need to play flute to like the

exquisite workmanship on this flute and

especially the crown.