Walking stick flute – HÉROUARD FRÈRES

Category Flutes
Maker Hérouard Frères
Marks and inscriptions Hérouard / Frères [sunburst]
Period 1830-1900
Place of origin Paris, France
Description Three-part, boxwood walking stick flute
Materials Boxwood, brass
Dimensions Total length 911 mm
Sounding length 548 mm
Weight 332 g
Condition Working condition
Price (€) On request
Ref 1197

Description

Walking stick flute – HÉROUARD FRÈRES

We’re back with another walking stick instrument. This genuine walking stick or cane flute is a rare find indeed. The HÉROUARD family of woodwind instrument makers were established in La Couture from around 1760 and related by marriage to the HOTTETERRES. The Hérouard Frères company was active from 1835 to 1878. We think this walking stick flute flute was made around 1840.

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The Hérouard Frères stamp is missing “A PARIS” because many years ago, someone repaired the top part using a horn ring.

It is a three-part walking stick flute. Lightly stained boxwood (?) was used to look like bamboo, which was very fashionable at the time. The key is made of wood and inlaid into the body of the instrument. This was so that it didn’t stick out and catch on anything mid-stroll. At the end of the stick, there is a long brass ferrule finished with an iron tip, which is the bit that actually touches the ground.

The construction is the same as a single-keyed conical flute. There are six finger-holes and one key.  It is a “genuine” or “true” walking stick flute, because you don’t have to remove anything to start playing. You just pick it up and play – simple spontaneity!

In terms of condition, this instrument is in full playing condition since it was kept and cared for in a collection for many years.  As previously explained, there was a crack in the head joint which was repaired many, many years ago and covered with a horn ring. Over time, the horn ring was eaten away a bit by some horn-eating bugs… probably beetles, which are of course no longer to be seen anywhere. The tenons are very finely turned and are thin and some hairline cracks can be seen. The embouchure is original. The sounding length is difficult to measure because you normally measure it from the middle of the embouchure to the end of the flute. In this case there is no end, but rather two holes, where the air comes out. We measured from the middle of the embouchure until the middle of one of the holes.

This walking stick flute plays with a fine, warm tone and is pitched at a=435 Hz. What a rare and unique item for flute lovers, collectors or even hikers!

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