Rudall & Rose 5216

This cocus wood flute with sterling silver mountings is stamped with the quatrefoil mark and bears the No. 1 Tavistock Street, Covent Garden address, dating it to approximately 1846. The eight-key configuration extends to low C, with saltspoon-style body keys mounted on blocks.

The flute features a regular lined headjoint and medium-sized finger holes. The rings and keys are sterling silver.

This instrument was owned by Josie McDermott (1925-1992), the beloved traditional flute player from Coolmeen, County Roscommon. McDermott was one of the most influential and inspiring figures in twentieth-century Irish traditional music, whose playing continues to be studied and cherished by flute players worldwide. His artistry played a vital role in preserving and transmitting the tradition during the folk revival period.

The flute in the video below hasn't been confirmed to be this one but it does have the same round strike-plates and exposed brass tuning slide.