George Rudall boxwood flute

This lovely flute plays willingly and evenly all the way to the bottom, and sits comfortably at modern pitch A=440. We have recommissioned and repadded it. The flute has a lovely new bespoke case handmade by Chris Raven.

George Rudall, famous now for establishing Rudall Rose, began his trading career selling flutes made by John Willis, one of the finest craftsmen of this period. Willis, who died in March 1823, placed his name on the footjoints.

The flute plays sweetly and easily from bottom to top with very good intonation. The voice is charming and lyrical. The flute has been the subject of various updates over its life. Here is a rare piece of history that is also a delight to play.

As an antique more than 100 years old (HS code 97069000), this flute attracts no import tax or duty to certain countries including USA, and 5% to the European Union and some others. Check the online calculator at https://www.simplyduty.com/import-calculator/

Condition Report

Headjoint: embouchure original and untouched; we have made a new crown; we have repaired fine cracks to front and rear by removing liner; plays with warmth and nimble articulation.

Barrel: modern replacement that has been very well made - we have turned it to the correct shape.

Top body: repaired block; no other cracks; marked GEO. RUDALL.

Lower body: repaired block; no other cracks; we have reinstated the original RH3 tone hole; marked GEO. RUDALL.

Footjoing: no cracks; works well to low C; marked GEO. RUDALL/ WILLIS/ FECIT

At some point probably in the C19th the original pewter plugs were removed and the keys and key cups upgraded to those that will take flat pads; the tone holes were dressed accordingly. These keys work quietly and effectively, making the flute a delight to play.

Probably at a different time an extra key with tone hole was added for RH3; we have removed the key, plugged the hole, and reinstated the original tone hole. The new boxwood should gradually blend in with time. Intonation is very good.

Having recommissioned the flute, we asked Chris Raven to provide a suitably elegant case - a beauty with inlaid lid, hidden hinges, and a pair of his own elegant catches.