Piccolos normally end with a D-foot, which is why the lower notes cannot be used. This rare exception allows the player to play down to B-flat in the lower octave. This is not really necessary… as we all know. But, hey, the original buyer of the instrument, Mr. D’Oliveira, wanted it exactly that way.  

If we look closer, we can see that the C-sharp key is hidden underneath the touchpiece of the little finger of the right hand. Two rollers operate the C and the B keys. The B-flat key is reached with the left little finger by way of a lever. The three touch pieces for the left little finger operate G-sharp key (as usual), D-sharp and B-flat.

We can observe the same construction on the flute with the exception of the third touchpiece which closes C-sharp and B-flat at the same time.

Both instruments are entirely made of solid silver, with 900 hallmarks throughout. The silver tubes and tone-holes are soldered – in the old-fashioned way. The piccolo is of unibody construction since there is really no space for a tenon and socket!!! The flute even features French pointed-arm keys.

In terms of condition, this centenary flute set is still in quite nice shape. This is probably because this type of wonder is normally kept in pride of place, out of harm’s reach. The flute plays at a=440 Hz while the piccolo’s pitch is a=442 Hz. The flute’s head joint has probably been shortened by 2 mm. You can see that the ring has been moved further upwards. Someone also did an awful job of trying to solder the barrel of the piccolo…

To be played professionally again, both instruments need a complete overhaul with some new pads. The original case is in working condition – it closes, but needs some TLC.

Luigi BILLORO (1870/1-1942) was born in Monselice in Italy. He was a flute virtuoso and teacher, not to mention a shrewd businessman. Yet Luigi Billoro spent very little time in Italy!

He travelled to South America as a young man, where it seems he fell in love with Brazil, particularly Rio de Janeiro. He played there often and was always well received by the public and press. He was a brilliant flute teacher too.

Billoro worked together with flute makers in Milan to produce instruments and even went into partnership with Barlassina to form the company Barlassina & Billoro before he started his own company and ‘brand’ in around 1914. These instruments were probably made by Barlassina.

This beautiful flute and piccolo set is a combination we will perhaps never see on sale again. The craftsmanship is astonishing. It’s a true rarity and would be the star of any flute collection.

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