I was gifted a side-blown piccolo in Eb that needs some TLC. I would like information on maker, etc. it is missing the one key for the tonic half-step (E in this case). It seems to be rosewood with German silver ferrules. This looks like an instrument that might have had an interchangeable fipple head to play as a whistle. The only marking is a faint Eb on the head. It looks to be well-made but fairly old. Any information would be appreciated.
Looks like a fun project. Identifying a maker will be problematic. Your best bet will be to employ a bright light with magnification and closely examine all over for any maker’s mark. It does appear old.
Bob
nice
I have scrutinized this instrument under magnification and there are no markings on it whatsoever except the key which I noted. I was hoping someone might identify it from the posted pictures. Thanks!
Chuck
While possible, I doubt this had a matching fipple head.
In my experience when a fipple head is present the instrument
generally does not have a separate barrel.
The ‘slide’ is incorporated into the upper body like this example:
http://irishpiccolo.blogspot.co.uk/2013/08/butler-flageolet-piccolo-combination.html?m=0
Or there is no tuning slide and there is a ‘reverse tenon’.
What pitch does it play at?
If it is high pitched? For the band market? Perhaps made in England or for flute bands in the UK but made in India?
All the best
Patrick
(Edit looking again it appears to be cocus wood, I had an anonymous D flute of London make with very similar rings , one piece of metal with the ring incised into the band.)
Dear Patrick, thank you for that information. The instrument is pitched in Eb. The body of the instrument is slightly smaller in length than a high D whistle. This is why I called it a piccolo. It is also the reason I thought it might have had a fipple head at one time. There are a couple of splits in the head and tuning band that I must fix before I can play it.
Chuck