DCM 1284: Clinton & Co. Flute in C

DCM ledger: "Compare this flute with No. 109; the two are identical in keys and adjustments, even in the shapes of straps, levers, etc., except this has closed G# action carried to the inner side of the tube with the hole on the inner side instead of outer side. No. 109 has a silver 'wart' and socket for thumb crutch. Rings, embouchure plate dimensions are identical.... Mr. William Clinton was an actor using the stage name 'William Herbert.' While playing at the Boston Hollis Street Theater, in the '90s, he called for the flutist in the orchestra, William R. Gibbs. He asked Mr. Gibbs if he had heard of the Clinton Flute. Gibbs replied: 'Yes, it is a household name.' Mr. Herbert revealed himself as the son of John Clinton and as a flute player.... Mr. Clinton gave this flute to Mr. Gibbs. Mr. Clinton died about 1915."
Instrument type: Flute in C
Medium: Silver.; 66.4 cm.
Key Holes System: Cylindrical bore, Clinton's Equisonant system. See DCM 109.
Mark Maximum: PRIZE MEDAL EQUISONANT (in circular form) / CLINTON & Cº / Sole Patentees / 35 Percy Strt. / LONDON / W (in circle)
Mark Additional: Mark on barrel.
Provenance: William R. Gibbs, Boston, 5 May 1936.

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.