This oboe was made around 1910 in Brussels, Belgium. It is a full system oboe and features a thumb-plate. The key mechanism is silver plated. The instrument is finely made… by one member of the Albert family of instrument makers.

It wasn’t just any family member, but rather Jacques (Émile) ALBERT (1849-1918). He is considered by many to be THE most important Belgian oboe maker of the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. Why? His success can be explained by the fact that he was trained by his father Eugène ALBERT (1816-1890), who needs no introduction. He was extremely famous for woodwinds and primarily known for his clarinets (Albert system). Also, Jacques Albert was an amazing oboist, graduating from Brussels Royal Conservatorie, after winning first prize for his outstanding skills in 1869.

He was the first of the three Albert brothers to set up shop on his own in 1878 in their home city of Brussels. Alongside oboes, he produced other woodwinds, including bassoons and flutes. After his death in 1918, his son Jacques ALBERT FILS was the workshop successor.

The condition of this oboe is very good and it is in its original case with typical Albert red velvet lining.

While Jacques Albert Fils oboes can be found occasionally at auctions and second-hand websites, Jacques Albert oboes are quite rare with a seemingly irresistible appeal for players and collectors alike.