This is a fully restored, eight-keyed, boxwood flute in four sections made by Goulding D’Almaine Potter & Co. D’Almaine & Co. was a firm of musical instrument makers, music sellers, publishers and printers that was in existence in one form or another for around eighty years. It was first established in 1785 by George Goulding and Thomas D’Almaine joined the company in around 1800. Other people joined and left the company over time as partners. One such partner was Potter (no first name known) of the Potter family and the company became Goulding, D’Almaine, Potter & Co. registered at 124 New Bond Street from around 1810-11. The company moved and operated out of 20 Soho Square between 1811 and 1823, when Potter left the company. We can therefore date this instrument from between 1811 and 1824.

The flute is made from boxwood with six ivory rings and an ivory head cap. The ‘pewter-plug’ system keys are crafted in silver. It features a metal-lined head joint with a tuning slide and ivory screw cork with adjuster with graduation marks. The Prince of Wales feathers is the heraldic badge or emblem of the Prince of Wales. It is stamped on this instrument to represent the company’s appointment as ‘music seller to the Prince of Wales sometime before 1811.

The flute was completely cleaned and restored with new tenon threads. It plays at a=442 Hz with the tuning slide fully inserted and at a=430 Hz with the tuning slide pulled out to the second marking (No. 4). This flute has excellent playing qualities with a warm and powerful sound. It responds easily, including in the high registers and has very good intonation.