This piccolo is made of beautiful boxwood with ivory ferrules and a single brass key. It was made in London by POTTER, most likely Richard POTTER (1726-1806). Its flat plate D-sharp key is nicely scalloped and very typical for the time.

The nominal pitch of this Potter instrument is C. The lowest note is D – hence the D stamped on the head joint. The figure ‘8’ is a pitch mark to indicate that it is an octave sharper than a regular one-keyed flute.

The piccolo has been completely restored with a new cork, pad and tenon thread. The embouchure and tone holes are unaltered and in fine condition. The pitch is around a=440 Hz.

A piccolo from this period of history is hard to find – an exquisite rarity.