Photo of DCM 0423: Rouge Oboe in ? - Public domain dedication

Highly unusual instrument. All 3 joints are shorter than comparable instrument in C. This instrument is further unusual in that the top joint has a thumbhole (perhaps later added). Also unusual in that the upper end above the baluster decoration has an ivory ferrule over a tenon, possibly not original, the interior element of which takes a separate ivory insert in the form of a pirouette, but probably not meant to function as such. This may be original, or added as a type of tuning slide.
Instrument type: Oboe in ?
Medium: Ivory, silver keys, 2 black horn ferrules.; 50.4 cm.
Key Holes System: 3 keys, square flaps, pin in block. Originally with left E-flat key missing and hole plugged.
Mark Maximum: ROVGE
Mark Additional: Mark on each joint.
Condition: The top of the bore is cracked, and the unusual construction may have been an attempt to correct this or perhaps the length of ivory available was insufficient for the design. Upper joint, cracks at upper end under ivory ferrule, mentioned above. Lower joint, several cracks in socket, ivory only. Horn ferrule unaffected, maybe not original. C key hole improperly drilled at location under left E-flat key position, including key. Original keys restored by DCM. Crack in bell from one of two vent holes to bottom or rim. Slot cut in lower key mount ring. That hole was plugged with ivory at unknown time.
Provenance: Sumner Healey, New York, 7 June 1924.

The Dayton C. Miller collection in the Library of Congress, contains nearly 1,700 flutes and other wind instruments, statuary, iconography, books, music, trade catalogs, tutors, patents, and other materials mostly related to the flute. It includes both Western and non-Western examples of flutes from around the world, with at least 460 European and American instrument makers represented. Items in the collection date from the 16th to the 20th century.