Can anyone identify the name of this instrument. Found it in an antique store not box or markings on it. assume its some sort of fipple or recorder. Metal banding and keys might be pewter, as it gets shines when polished but not reflective like silver. Don’t play at all just curious. Would like to get it repaired.
Difficult to be exactly sure from your photos, but assuming there’s a hole in the very right-hand end of the instrument for blowing into, as shown in your pictures, then it’s a flageolet … and quite a sophisticated one, judging from all the keywork … nice find
Thanks all. Has a good sound, well those notes I can play due to various leaks, but I’m getting a quote to have it restored. Does anyone have any idea on how old it would be. I should think early 1900 late 1800?
I’m a poor substitute for MTGuru but here’s my experience… the instrument shown may once have had a blow tube or beak likely made of ivory at the top. Perhaps like these.
Here’s a closeup of such a component.
A replacement could be fashioned out of ivory substitutes.
Don’t forget the “Sponge” inserted into the upper “wind chamber” used to collect water vapor and reduce the saliva blocking the windway/duct. A substitute can be made from open-cell “speaker foam”. This will allow good wind transfer without blocking the windway/duct.
note: French Flageolets have 4 open toneholes on top and 2 open thumbholes below. It’s a good bet yours is an English version. French fingering allows the toneholes to be placed closer together for higher pitched instruments. Each thumbhole lies between 2 upper toneholes and gives uncramped finger spacing.
