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« on: Friday 02 March 07 01:08 GMT (UK) »
I own a flute and piccolo made in 1882 by W.D. Cubitt, Son & Co. I only play the flute, specializing in Irish traditional music, which is all flutes of this vintage are used for today. I understand that the instruments Cubitt sold were made according to his own specifications. His son's name is Robert (b. 1857).
My flute is an extremely fine example of flutemaking. Many instruments of this vintage were not pitched so accurately. It is a well-balanced instrument and easy to hold. It plays very well and was once the property of Jerry Donahue, who played guitar for a time with the traditional folk band Fairport Convention.
I am interested in anything else you learn about Cubitt. Mostly, I'd like to know if he was the maker, or just contracted to have the work done. His name and address are imprinted in the wood of the instrument on four of the five pieces that comprise the body. Each stamp is different because of the limitations of where the stamp appears. I believe that this is an expensive process. I'm also led to believe that he had a good reputation, and given that he was only in business for 12 years, that's interesting. It's also interesting that he was making this style of flute (eight keys and six open holes) this late in the century, since the Boehm flute (the modern orchestral flute) had been around since 1847, and was pretty much the standard by 1882. Given that he was in his 50's when he opened his own shop, it would be interesting to know what he was doing in his early adulthood that allowed him to develop the knowledge of how to make the best instruments. He was known for his clarinets, and I can vouch for his flutes (I've compared many of the same vintage, plus modern replicas which have become popular due to the growing popularity of Irish flute-playing).
That's what I have. Hope it helps. What is your interest?
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