Flute which starred in The Beatles and James Bond films for sale

The flute accompanied The Beatles on their 1967 track The Fool on The Hill and played the Nutcracker Suite for the classic 1970s Cadbury’s ‘fruit and nutcase’ television commercials is to be sold at auction in June.

Owned by leading British flautist Jack Ellory, until his death in 2009, the flute was custom made for him.

The flute appears on soundtracks for many of the Sean Connery-period James Bond films, Pink Panther films, episodes of 1960s The Avengers and the film musical Oliver!  

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The flute was used on a famous Beatles song (Image: Apple Corps Ltd)

In 1967, George Martin asked leading British flautist Mr Ellory to play flute for the Paul McCartney-penned The Fool on the Hill, a track The Beatles recorded for their Magical Mystery Tour project, which topped the UK chart.

The flute was also used in numerous advertisements of the period including the Cadbury’s ‘fruit and nutcase’ campaign, which featured the flute playing an excerpt from the Nutcracker Suite while humourist Frank Muir sang.

In 2000, the advert was ranked 36 in Channel 4’s official poll of the 100 Greatest Adverts.

Mr Ellory worked extensive in the film industry.

He taught the late British actress Dame Maggie Smith how to pretend to play the flute for a scene in the 1968 film Hot Millions.

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Chris Baker with the flute (Image:  Adrian Beeby)

Brian Ellory, Jack’s son, said: “I inherited my father’s flute in 2009. It was in a bit of a state, held together by elastic bands, so I had it completely overhauled.”

Explaining why he is selling the flute, he said: “I wanted to learn to play it but soon found I had no talent. I’m the last member of our family to know the story of the flute and my father’s career so it’s best I sell it rather than my children when I’m gone.

“I hope it goes to someone who can make music with it and who appreciates its incredible history.”

Jamie South, auctioneer from Gardiner Houlgate, said: “This is a remarkable instrument once owned by a remarkable musician. Jack Ellory’s career ranged right across the mid-20th century music world – from playing in orchestras conducted by Toscanini and Sir Thomas Beecham to recording some of the greatest musical moments in popular culture, including Sinatra and Bing Crosby.”

The flute will be sold by specialist music auctioneers Gardiner Houlgate in Wiltshire on Friday, June 12.

Jack Ellory’s flute will be available for public viewing from Monday, June 8 to Thursday, June 11.

The flute can also be viewed at any time by contacting Gardiner Houlgate.