ANTIQUE W D CUBITT SON & CO LONDON BOXED WOOD CLARINET ARCHIE GIBBON BOOKLET SET
A fascinating antique W. D. CUBITT, SON & CO. LONDON WOODEN CLARINET, presented in its fitted hard case together with an original-style instructional / fingering booklet associated with:
ARCHIE GIBBON
The instrument has an attractive dark wooden body with metal keywork and represents an interesting survivor from the history of British woodwind manufacture and retailing.
This example is being offered:
UNTESTED
and should therefore be regarded as a collectable, restoration project or display instrument unless professionally inspected and serviced.
Maker / Retailer: W. D. Cubitt, Son & Co.
Location: London
Instrument: Clarinet
Body: Dark Hardwood / Grenadilla-Type Wood
Keywork: Metal
Presentation: Fitted Hard Case
Interior: Red Fabric / Felt Lining
Accessory: Archie Gibbon Instruction / Fingering Booklet
Condition: Untested / Unserviced
Period: Antique / Late 19th to Early 20th Century Style
Please refer to the photographs for the exact dimensions, markings, keywork, mouthpiece, case and included accessories.
The instrument is marked:
W. D. CUBITT, SON & CO.
LONDON
a name associated with the London musical instrument trade during the 19th century.
The Cubitt firm dealt in and produced a variety of musical instruments, particularly woodwinds, including instruments such as:
FLUTES
PICCOLOS
CLARINETS
BRASS & WIND INSTRUMENTS
Surviving Cubitt-marked instruments have good appeal to collectors interested in early British musical instrument makers and dealers.
London became an important centre for musical instrument manufacture and retailing during the Victorian period.
Specialist firms supplied instruments to:
PROFESSIONAL MUSICIANS
MILITARY BANDS
ORCHESTRAS
STUDENTS
AMATEUR PLAYERS
and many worked with both British-made and imported components.
The Cubitt name forms part of this broader history of London's flourishing musical-instrument trade.
The clarinet is constructed from a:
DARK DENSE HARDWOOD
with the appearance of traditional clarinet timbers such as:
GRENADILLA
EBONY-TYPE WOOD
However, the exact species has not been scientifically identified, so I would avoid guaranteeing a specific timber.
The dark wood contrasts attractively with the metal keywork.
The instrument retains its period:
METAL KEYS / MECHANICAL KEYWORK
which should be inspected closely in the photographs.
Older clarinets can require considerable adjustment to:
KEYS
SPRINGS
PADS
CORKS
JOINTS
before being suitable for playing.
No guarantee is therefore made that the keywork currently seals or operates to professional playing standards.
Also included is an instructional / fingering guide associated with:
ARCHIE GIBBON
and containing information such as:
HOW TO HOLD THE CLARINET
FINGERING POSITIONS
PLAYING GUIDANCE
Period instructional material is an appealing addition because it helps preserve the instrument as a more complete historical ensemble rather than simply a loose clarinet.
Please inspect the photographs for the booklet's exact title, publisher and condition.
The clarinet is accompanied by a:
RECTANGULAR HARD CASE
with:
RED FABRIC / FELT-LINED INTERIOR
and metal catches.
The case appears arranged to accommodate the separate clarinet sections and accessories.
Whether the case was originally supplied with this exact instrument cannot be guaranteed without documentation, but it forms an attractive part of the lot.
Early wooden clarinets are popular with collectors because they document the changing development of:
KEY SYSTEMS
BORE DESIGN
WOODWIND MANUFACTURE
BAND INSTRUMENTS
MUSICAL EDUCATION
Even where an instrument requires restoration, it can remain highly interesting as a historical and decorative object.
Please note carefully:
THIS CLARINET HAS NOT BEEN PLAY-TESTED
and no guarantee is made regarding:
AIR-TIGHTNESS
PAD CONDITION
CORK CONDITION
SPRINGS
KEY ALIGNMENT
BORE CONDITION
TUNING
MOUTHPIECE CONDITION
PLAYABILITY
A professional woodwind technician should inspect the instrument before serious playing use.
This set should appeal to collectors of:
W. D. Cubitt
London Instrument Makers
Antique Clarinets
Woodwind Instruments
Victorian Musical Instruments
British Music History
Clarinet Accessories
Antique Instrument Cases
Instruction Booklets
Band & Orchestral Memorabilia
W. D. CUBITT, SON & CO. LONDON
ANTIQUE WOODEN CLARINET
Dark hardwood body
Period metal keywork
FITTED HARD CASE
Red-lined interior
ARCHIE GIBBON BOOKLET
Instruction / fingering material
Strong British woodwind history
Interesting restoration or display instrument
A very appealing antique W. D. Cubitt, Son & Co. London clarinet set, complete with fitted case and instructional material, offering excellent musical and historical collector interest.
The instrument is in honest antique condition with wear consistent with age, use and storage.
Please inspect the photographs carefully for any:
WOOD SCRATCHES
CRACKS OR HAIRLINES
JOINT WEAR
KEY TARNISH
BENT KEYS
MISSING OR WORN PADS
CORK DETERIORATION
SURFACE MARKS
CASE WEAR
FABRIC WEAR
BOOKLET CREASING OR FOXING
where visible.
The clarinet is:
UNTESTED AND UNSERVICED
and should not be assumed to be immediately playable.
The body material is described conservatively as dark hardwood / grenadilla-type wood rather than a guaranteed species.
Please use the photographs as the definitive guide to the maker's stamp, number of keys, components, mouthpiece, case, booklet and overall completeness.
🖼️ Item Condition:
This item is in honest antique condition and the clarinet is untested / unserviced. I’ve included detailed photographs to show the condition, size, maker's markings, keywork, case and accompanying booklet, so please review them carefully before placing your bid.
This is one of several fantastic lots I have available this week. Whenever possible, I’m happy to combine shipping to help you save on costs.
🛍️ Take a look at my other collectables—everything is up for sale at a no-reserve 10-day auction. If you're interested in multiple items, I’m more than happy to combine postage. Please note that for international customers using eBay's Global Shipping, we are sadly unable to combine postage.
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💌 Happy Bidding & Good Luck
— Hannah 😊