English flageolet

Description

This instrument is a typical improved octave flageolet, based on William Bainbridge's 1803 patent. The wind is led through four channels in the cap and a circular sponge in a cistern absorbs moisture. The two keys allow d-sharp to be sounded and also extend the upward range of the instrument. The first tone-hole is partially plugged so that it may be used as an octaving hole. The projection on the side of the windcap is to allow a semitone key to be fitted and the ivory spacing studs are to guide the player's fingers to the tone-holes, which are marked with the appropriate finger and note-letter.