Description

Solid silver Boehm flute – RITTERSHAUSEN, Emil

This solid silver Boehm flute was made by the renowned Berlin-based maker Emil RITTERSHAUSEN. Carl Emil Cäsar RITTERSHAUSEN (1852-1927) worked for Boehm & Mendler before setting up his own workshop in his native Berlin. His Boehm flutes and piccolos were prized by professional flutists worldwide. His partnership with the musician and entrepreneur Carl Fischer to supply his flutes to the USA and Canada paved the way to his global success.

This flute is an excellent example of fine German craftsmanship. Serial number 3400 dates its production to around 1905.

The flute’s construction showcases beautifully shaped ribs and meticulously crafted soldered tone-holes. Its refined keywork features still crisp, finely sculpted trill keys and integrated adjustment screws. It has a closed G-sharp key and a split E mechanism.

The lip-plate is concave in shape and is adorned with a stunning engraving around the embouchure – a laurel wreath.

The embouchure is slightly oval and measures 10.18 x 12.43 mm. The head joint was shortened by about 2 mm, meaning it plays at a=442 Hz when it’s fully inserted. Although there are no hallmarks, a professional machine test verified the flute is solid silver.

Mechanically and structurally, this instrument is in fantastic shape – like a vintage German motorbike that just needs a fresh set of tyres. A standard pad replacement will make it an incredible player. The minor cosmetic dents are an easy, straightforward fix for any professional technician. It comes complete in its original red velvet lined and stamped Rittershausen case.