One-keyed swordstick flute.
overall: 763 x 38 mm;
Musical instruments that serve multiple purposes have a long and well-documented history and many survive. Examples on display in the Horniman Music Gallery include this swordstick flute (14.5.47/320), the sewing or jewel box virginals (M29.3.61/1), the writing desk virginals (L2013.37.15), and the walking stick flute (14.5.47/320). But the musical collection also includes others not on display: e.g. a swordstick clarinet (M15.10.48/120), a walking stick (or dancing master's) fiddle (M15.10.48/14), a walking stick harmonica or mouth organ (M19.9.59/1) and a truncheon flute (M15.10.48/123). Musical instruments that also served as weapons are considered rare and the swordstick clarinet may be unique. The attraction of a walking stick instrument was its convenience and portability. It meant that music could be enjoyed in impromptu settings and outdoors. The fashion for multi-purpose instruments began to wane as the 19th century drew to a close.
