South Australian collector decides to sell off unique collection of instruments.

A collection of golden oboes, probably unique in the world, is to be offered for sale through a dealer in South Australia.
The instruments belong to a discerning private collector and represent the very best craftsmanship from many of the leading manufacturers in the world. The seller, who prefers to remain anonymous but whose generosity we are told has been felt in many parts of South Australian musical life, is only keeping a very few top quality instruments which he intends to lend out and maybe pass down through the family.

The oboes are being offered through Richard Craig (pictured), a respected double reed specialist technician and salesman, resident in Marden, SA. “There’s an incredible variety here”, says Richard whose wife, Celia is Principal Oboe of the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra. “We know many of the manufacturers personally and I’ve found out the history of each instrument. They’ll be of interest to professional players, students and amateurs – I’m looking forward to matching them all up with new owners.”

For sale individually, many of the oboes were made from special wood, such as rosewood instead of the...