Rudall Carte C-Foot Closed-Hole Flute Circa 1898 - Wood

Rudall Carte & Co. Wood Flute #4004

BERNERS ST, OXFORD ST, LONDON

Originally a High-Pitch flute (~A=452, British High Pitch, say for the Coldstream Guards); Embouchure on headjoint recut 15mm LONGER on headjoint to effectively LOWER THE PITCH of the instrument.

The instrument now plays closer-to/like an A-440 instrument without the low notes being flat. But the left-hand notes of B, C, and C# should not be rolled/lipped in, as they would risk being flat. Opposite tendencies from a low-pitch flute being "raised" by shortening the headjoint.

Sounding Length of Flute: 592mm (originally 577mm)

Sounding Length of Headjoint: 171mm (originally 156mm)

Headjoint Overall Length: 231mm

Body Overall Length: 333mm

Footjoint Overall Length: 127mm

Case Overall Length: 385mm

Weight of Flute Alone: 1 lb 2.5 oz (18.5 oz or 525 grams)

Weight of Flute in Case: 2 lb 1 oz (925 grams)

Look at the unique curved-shaped spring catches under the D and E keys on the right-hand mechanism, and under the A key on the left-hand mechanism. Unusually gorgeous stringing (pointed arms and in the complete keywork) on this flute.

Flute is likely made of cocuswood. Appears to be original style "puffy" Rudall Carte pads. Flute currently plays, but might benefit from an overhaul to play its best. Considering the uniqueness of what the flute is, it might be best to keep it in its current condition, but that would ultimately be the decision of the new caretaker/owner.

The beauty of tone, in the middle and upper registers, is extraordinary and unmatched. And how many old wood flutes are out there where the low D, Db, and C are NOT FLAT?

Happy Fluting!