Expert: Kenton Scott - 3/3/2006

Question
I Know your expertise is brass instruments, but i was wondering if you could help me. I have recently bought a vintage ebony piccolo. The seller had no information at all about it, and I'm having trouble finding any information about it.  Although I play the piccolo, I have little knowledge of the history of the piccolo and no knowledge of Antiques. My guess is that it is a simple system piccolo in the key of D. There is a faint triangle symbol on the bottom tube of the instrument. On 1 side of the triangle is written " NIGHTINGALE" on the other side "TRADE" & on the 3rd side "MARK". No other markings are on the piccolo.
The instrument measures: 37 cm long (just over 14 & 1/2" long).
I am very intrested in finding out how old it is.
If you have any suggestions on where to find infromation please let me know. Thanks so much for your time.  

Answer
Well, I don't know what you have, but I'll tell you what I can find.  

There was a woodwind maker in London named Nightingale in the early 1800's, but I'd be surprised that that is what you have.  I don't think that they would have marked it 'tradename' back then.  

Pic's from the early 1900's have about 6 keys on them.  

I would think that most pics would either be in C or Db.  And, 14.5 inches seemms a little long for a pic.  

Is it possible that you have a fife?  They commonly come in 2 keys.  But, I forget what for sure, but I think they come in C and D.

kms