(mindful, the long-F shoulder is missing, replaced with metal)
With signed sticker in the lid, early so there’s no SN listed (this came later). Has interesting personalized cartouche on the head, so quite obviously a presentation flute. If box is original to the flute (they weren’t always), based on the address and the label, with the key style, should put it in the middle 2xxx series onward. If there’s a quattrefoil mark, then it’s later as the labels came before the mark, but the latter in the series and early 3xxx were actually with 3 pewter plugs typically.
SN 4213 is Lot 848:
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Lovely flute, though medium-holed. Appears in nice condition, lovely box. This would be one of only a small handful of Rudalls known with consecutive numbers (4212 is in Ireland and once owned by Mr. Olwell). Not many of the back-to-back flutes known. I once owned consecutively numbered Rudalls. Very cool.
The photo does not show whether the foot keys are all plugs. The catalogue reflects many flutes within this series – roughly #4140 through ~#4200 – were all plugs on the foot keys, so it would be wise to inquire.
It’s quite interesting that the Rudall & Rose without the serial number is estimated at £200-£400, and the other Rudall & Rose has an estimate of £800-£1200.
The Rudall w/o serial number listed is # 3462, according to the auction house.
It does indeed have a wide crack on either side of the embouchure.
3xxx series Rudalls are very nice flutes, regarded by makers such as Chris Wilkes as some of the finest the firm made.
I have two medium-holed boxwood RR in the 3xxx series and each plays very nicely.
Most Rudalls require knowledge and extensive practice in learning how to play them to today’s equal-temperament specs of 440. In the hands of such a player they can be exceptional. If you don’t wish to put in the time appropriately and wish not to be disappointed in a session, it would be wise to get on a reputable maker’s waiting list for a keyed flute.
I have no personal interest in these flutes for sale and the opinions are merely mine without regard to who is selling or who might buy them.
the engraved cartouche has an image of a goat, not a ram.
Above the goat are the words “DEED” and “SHAW” and the beneath the initials “JR”
The goat head and the words DEED SHAW are part of the family crest of Clan Fleming in Scotland. Normally its motto is “Let the Deed Shaw,” which has its own history, according to a few pertinent websites:
how Let the deed shaw actually became the Fleming motto! On February 10, 1306 Robert the Bruce had an arranged meeting with his rival John (“Red”) Comyn at Dumfries. In order to guarantee the peaceable nature of their parley the Bruce had established its venue as the chancel of the impressive Franciscan church in the center of the town. The men naturally unbuckled their swords and left them at the church door. Unfortunately for Comyn, it turned out that Robert the Bruce had neglected to set aside his smaller dagger. The meeting did not go well. A violent quarrel (rixa) irrupted. The Bruce stabbed Comyn with his dagger, apparently next to the high altar. He then walked out of the church to his waiting kinsmen and said the equivalent in Middle Scots of “Oops! I lost it. I think maybe I killed him.” The exact words of his cousin Roger de Kirkpatrick have happily been recorded. Crying out “I mak siccar!” (I’ll make sure) he rushed into the church, sword in hand, and, well, made siccar.
That is how “I mak siccar” became the Kirkpatrick family motto, but there was still a small margin of yet further certainty left for the Flemings. Sir Robert Fleming then went into the church, sword in hand. He decapitated the dead or dying body of John Comyn and brought his dripping prize to the church porch. Dangling the severed trophy by its gory locks, he spoke the immortal words: “Let the deed shaw.” There are practically no limits to the eloquence of which a Fleming is capable if you only give him his head. <<
It is entirely possible this flute belonged to a person, J.R. of course, who was a member of said clan.
I missed the sale of the first R&R (#3462) today (out having dental check-up) so we’ll have to wait for the results to be published, but I caught the auction of the second one (#4213), sold for £1,650 hammer, which would be £2,029.50 with 23% premiums. Not bad for a seemingly good condition R&R with it’s original case, swab rod and grease pot.
“I missed the sale of the first R&R (#3462) today (out having dental check-up) so we’ll have to wait for the results to be published, but I caught the auction of the second one (#4213), sold for £1,650 hammer, which would be £2,029.50 with 23% premiums. Not bad for a seemingly good condition R&R with it’s original case, swab rod and grease pot.” Jem
Yes, a decent price these days. Mr. Lambe is still trying to sell his for €5000 (£4248) on DoneDeal. Eugene’s Rudall is ready to play straight out of the box, but I doubt it will sell at that price
“First one ended at £900+fees,ecc.” Radcliff
Also a decent price. Jem, what would it cost to fix head joint cracks on these two flutes, and the long F key block on R&R 3462, and an eventual repadding? £200-300 perhaps and you have a Rudall ready to go?
