Boxwood flute – FREYER, Johann Gottlieb
4.500,00 €
| Category | Flutes |
| Maker | FREYER, Johann Gottlieb |
| Marks and inscriptions | On all parts: [Prussian eagle] / IG. FREYER Extra on foot joint POTSDAM |
| Period | 1750-1830 |
| Place of origin | Potsdam, Germany |
| Description | Boxwood flute with three silver keys, ivory rings and three middle joints by FREYER |
| Materials | Boxwood, ivory, silver |
| Dimensions | With middle joint 1: Total length 638 mm Weight 289 g |
| Condition | Restored, fully functional |
| Accessories | Extra middle joints |
| Special features | Engraved key |
| Price (€) | €4,500.00 |
| Ref | 1318 |
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Description
Boxwood flute – FREYER, Johann Gottlieb
Everyone is familiar with the flutemakers FREYER! It’s a delightful surprise when such a unique instrument is up for sale.
This Johann Gottlieb FREYER (ca.1764-1808) flute is crafted in boxwood and has three silver keys. The ferrules are turned from ivory just like its beautiful cap. All parts of this flute are stamped with the maker’s Prussian eagle and I.G. FREYER stamp. But that’s not all…this flute has three middle joints. They are all stamped and numbered too.
show more Middle joint 1, sounding length 538 mm, pitch a=435 Hz The flute is also marked throughout with the production number IIII. The middle joints only have the IIII mark on the lower tenons. So, after comparison with other extant instruments, we can confirm that these middle joints were shortened by around 6 mm to suit the musical tastes of its previous owners. The embouchure is beautifully cut and unaltered. The engraving on the key is a mystery ready for its new own to unravel. The flute was fully restored and is in wonderful playing condition. We can say that this instrument can be dated to between 1804 and 1808, when its maker was active in Potsdam. Christoph FREYER, father (1708-ca 1770), an instrument maker from Leipzig moved to Potsdam where the literature tells us that he worked in cooperation with Johann Joachim QUANTZ (1697-1773) for the court of the Prussian King, FREDERICK THE GREAT. Friedrich Gabriel August KIRST (ca. 1750–1806) who had previously apprenticed with August GRENSER in Leipzig, worked for Freyer. When Christoph Freyer died, Kirst married his widow and took over the business as instrument maker to Frederick the Great and the Prussian army. He also raised his stepson Johann Gottlieb FREYER (ca. 1764-1808) who was then a mere child and then trained him in woodwind instrument making. Johann Gottlieb Freyer took over and expanded his workshop in 1804. His business went so well that he even bought more property. Around 1806, things began to go downhill, and he died an early death caused by a tumour in 1808. This Freyer flute is exceptionally rare as Johann Gottlieb Freyer didn’t really work long enough to make so many instruments. It is of the same construction and style as late Kirst flutes… instruments truly fit for a king! Important note This instrument contains ivory. A certificate for the legal sale of this instrument within the European Union is supplied when purchased. show less
Middle joint 2, sounding length 532 mm, pitch a=440 Hz
Middle joint 3, sounding length 524 mm, pitch a=445 Hz
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