This oboe by Kohlert is a student model instrument and makes an interesting generic type for comparison with two other more unique instruments in the Museum's collection by Thomas Cahusac made in London and dating from about 1780 and Tom Sparkes of Sydney made in 1993. Although there have been many woodwind instrument makers bearing the Kohlert name Vincenz Kohlert founded the business in Bohemia in 1840. It passed through the ownership of various generations until 1945 when it was re-located in Winnenden, Germany. The company also made clarinets, bassoons, flutes, piccolos and saxophones. Prior to World War 2 it was one of the largest woodwind instrument manufacturers in Bohemia with 400 employees in 1929 (cited in W Waterhouse, The New Langwill Index, T Bingham, London, 1993, p.213). This particular instrument was owned by the donor's father, who as a university student in the 1920s swapped a motorcycle for the instrument.

The flute was designed by V Kohlert and Sons.

The flute was made by V Kohlert and Sons, Graslitz, Bohemia between 1902 and 1930.

The flute was swapped in exchange for a motorbike by donor's father when at Otago University in New Zealand during the 1920s. It was used by donor's father in amateur student ensembles.

Oboe with case and contents, timber / metal / velvet / cardboard / paper / cork, made by V Kohlert & Sons, Graslitz, Bohemia, 1902-1930

Black timber oboe, possibly cocus wood, with silver keys, rings and fittings. The fingering system is an Albert system. The tapered body from the reed hole extends down to the bell. The instrument is assembled in three sections consisting of a part for the upper hand, the lower hand and the bell. Silver rings are mounted at the joints. The bell is stamped at the front with a spread eagle symbol and the maker's name and place of manufacture.

The instrument sits in a rectangular timber case lined in red fabric and with a hinged lid. Two compartments are used for a pull-through and spare reeds. One compartment contains a reed mounted in its housing, a violin bow frog and a cardboard box; the other compartment contains a pull-through. A blue fabric cloth sits inside the case. The case has two catches and a carry handle on the front.

Designer: V Kohlert & Sons

Maker: V Kohlert & Sons; Graslitz, Bohemia; 1902 - 1930

See parts for marks information

2002/67/2

60 mm

60 mm