This is a Rudall, Rose & Carte modified ‘1851’ system flute. This special system was devised by Richard CARTE (1808–1891). In 1850, he joined George RUDALL (1781-1871) and John Mitchell ROSE (1793/1794-1866).

The principle of the 1851 system was to use the ideas of Theobald BOEHM (metal flute, cylindrical bore, conical head joint, large holes) with the old fingering system that flutists were used to playing on a standard flute of the time. This meant that flutists didn’t have to change their way of playing. It shows us the difficulties involved in the acceptance of the Boehm flute model patented in 1847.

This particular flute features a closed G-sharp key. It has no extra trill keys. It also has no serial number, but we believe it to have been made around 1855. Its tube is made of solid silver (unhallmarked) and it has a solid silver raised barrel embouchure rather than a lip-plate. The barrel has been beautifully engraved. The embouchure itself is oval. The mechanism is silver plated. All in all, this instrument is characterised by a high level of craftsmanship.