England
Wolf & Figg

Boxwood, ivory, brass
c. 1845
Length: 22.4 inches – Nominal pitch: ‘C’
Wind Instruments – Woodwinds – Double Reed

Body stamped: WOLF & FIGG/20 ST MARTINS. LE. GRAND/LONDON with unicorn head

The oboe is a double-reed, non-transposing aerophone (woodwind) that developed from the earlier shawm.  It is longer than the shawm and has smaller finger holes. This oboe has what is called the typical ‘onion and cotton reel’ shape at the top and the C key has a fish-tail touch piece as an ornamental feature. The beautiful and elaborate inlay on this instrument is in ivory.

Wolf & Figg boxwood and ivory flutes are found in the collection of the Horniman Museum in London and the Belle Skinner Collection at Yale University.