This four-part GOULDING & CO boxwood flute has a fantastic appearance. The honey-coloured wood is truly beautiful. It features ivory rings and a single brass key. The embouchure is  slightly oval – measuring 8.70 x 9.65 mm. It is likely that it was created at the beginning of the 1800s. This is supported by the wide ivory rings, the design of the key and its pitch of a=435 Hz.

The company GOULDING & CO was created by George GOULDING (1759-1814) in around 1785. He started out in music publishing. During his career in making woodwind instruments, he engaged in several partnerships that led to various forms of the Goulding stamp. The flute is in fantastic shape, with no visible cracks whatsoever (what a nice change!). There are a bunch of scratches – which is just what you’d expect from a flute that’s been around for over 200 years.

The flute plays well with good fork fingerings. It is very enjoyable and straightforward to play. It features rich, dark tones complemented by bright nuances. A very English flute!