Expert: Kenton Scott - 6/17/2005

Question
Hello, Me Scott.
I recently purchased a wooden, German, six-key, simple system piccolo at an auction, and I'm looking for information about these instruments and their value. The only markings on the piccolo say LP (low pitch, I guess) and GERMANY. Photos of the instrument are available at http://zacker.com/temp/piccolo As far as I can determine, flutes and piccolos of this type were made primarily in the late nineteenth century. Are there professionals today who play instruments like this one for anything but novelty reasons? I'm trying to determine whether this could be considered a working instrument, or is it just a historical collector's item.  

Answer
Hi Craig,

I'm not really all that knowledgeable on woodwinds, but I do believe that you probably have the era of this instrument about right.  I would say that it is likely late 1800's up through the first couple decades of the 1900's.  

There is no reason that this horn couldn't be made to be playable, if it isn't right now.  It looks like it needs a crack repaired.  And, it wouldn't be surprising if the pads might need some attention.

Unfortunately, it is probably at that 'awkward' age.  Too old to be seriously considered for regular playing, and too young to be used for 'vintage' musical organizations.  

But, as I say, I'm not that well versed on woodwind instruments, so there may be something about this instrument that escapes my understandings.

Kenton