Description

English flageolet–piccolo – BUTLER, George

This rare cocuswood English flageolet with alternative piccolo head joint was made by a company led by George BUTLER (1795-1870) – the head of a family of instrument makers that were producing and dealing in brass, woodwind and many other instruments in Dublin and in London between 1826 and 1927. George started out in Dublin and was later in London. The company traded under the name ‘Butler’s Musical Instruments’ and its London base was at 29 Haymarket from 1865 to 1898.  His three sons worked with George until his death in 1870.
This instrument can be played as a flageolet or a piccolo with the same fingering. It is beautifully crafted and decorated with hand-engraved mounts/rings. The engravings feature flowers and leaves. The six silver keys are all hallmarked. It can be dated back to the1870s. It is supplied in its original leather covered case.
In terms of condition, this flageolet/piccolo has some cracks (piccolo’s head joint and tuning slide; flageolet’s head joint) which have to be restored. It would be advisable restore this instrument to get it in playing condition.
It is clear that this instrument was made for a very special player indeed.