This stunning creation was entirely handmade in luscious cocuswood by the Rudall, Carte & Co Ltd – England’s finest flute-makers of the mid-twentieth century.  The company was set up in 1872 as successors to Rudall Rose, Carte & Co. Later in 1943-1944, it was acquired by Boosey & Hawkes. For more details on this fascinating company, we recommend reading Robert Bigio’s fine work on the subject.

This one-piece C-foot flute is made of thinned cocuswood. Very few such instruments were produced owing to their complexity to make and relative expense. The outer diameter is only 24.3 mm, the bore 19.0 mm and the wood thickness is incredibly thin at 2.6 mm! The body was carved down from outside around the toneholes in order to achieve this reduced diameter. It is therefore lighter and has great response. The mechanism was expertly crafted in 900 silver. The flute is in very good condition with no visible cracks.

The head joint was made by Rudall Carte’s John Wicks.

This exceptional one-piece flute plays comfortably at a=440 to a=442 Hz. It has great authority and response. The sound is warm, colourful and sweet.

It was made around the turn of the twentieth century. One previous owner was Roger Rostron, Principal of the Halle Orchestra in the North of England. He commissioned the head joint from John Wicks.

This masterpiece is incredibly rare and a sheer delight to behold and play.