Description

Conical ring-key flute – GODFROY AINÉ, Clair

This conical ring-key flute was made by the legendary Clair Godfroy Ainé (1774-1841) workshop in Paris. We believe it was made in the 1840s.

The stamp on this flute is one that was used from 14 May 1829 by Clair Godfroy Ainé. There were many counterfeit GODFROY flutes on the market, so he decided to change his stamp and make it more difficult to copy.

It is quite an early ring-key flute because it has axels on both the left and right of the fingerholes. This changed later so that the axels were just on one side – the player’s.

The flute is equipped with the 1832 Boehm ring-key system, which includes the Dorus G-sharp key. It features a C-foot and pointed-arm keys, characteristics commonly found in French instruments from that era. Additionally, it retains its original screw cork. The flute has a tuning slide in the head joint plus two silver tuning rings.

The entire solid silver mechanism was constructed with utmost precision, wonderfully capturing Godfroy’s signature French elegance. The original, completely unmodified embouchure beautifully showcases the maker’s incredible craftsmanship!

The silver does not bear a hallmark. There is a mechanical connection linking the right index finger to the thumb key. Therefore, you can operate either one with the same results. One special feature for early Godfroys that we can see on this flute is that the tone-holes of the foot joint are inline. The D-sharp lever has a typical “kidney” shape.

The case seems original and in addition to the silver tuning rings, it is equipped with a great pot and a screw driver. The case itself is in need of repair.

In terms of condition, this flute is sold as is for restoration. There are cracks in the head joint and the barrel which is some cases have been restored. Please check the photos.  Once restored, we think this Godfroy flute will play at a=450 Hz with the tuning slide fully inserted. With tuning rings and the tuning slide pulled out, it would be possible to play at around a=440 Hz.

Our opinion

Conical ring-key flutes by the Clair Godfroy Ainé workshop are a rarity and seldom seen. This instrument has enormous potential, but needs a professional restoration.