On further inspection, the keys themselves are not hallmarked, but testing points towards 500 or 600 silver with a silver alloy. Although the head joint is not stamped, it was definitely made for this instrument. The silver ring at the head joint is similar in design to the one at the foot joint. The wood is in great condition although there is a hairline crack at the side of the head joint. The screw cork and cap appear totally original to the instrument. The flute is supplied in its original case complete with tenon protector and grease pot.

Louis-Auguste BUFFET, known as Auguste Buffet jeune, was born in 1789 in La Couture France. He was a younger brother of Denis BUFFET-AUGER (1783-1841). He started making instruments in his hometown in around 1813 and later set up his workshop in Paris. In addition to making exquisite flutes, he is also known for his work on improving the clarinet in collaboration with Hyacinthe Eléonore KLOSE (1808-1880). He is credited with the development of the needle spring on his Boehm flutes and clarinets too. His nephew and instrument maker Jean-Louis BUFFET (1813-1865) married Zoë CRAMPON in 1836. The company would be known as Buffet-Crampon from around 1844.

Following restoration, this A. Buffet jeune flute is expected to exhibit exceptional tonal quality at a pitch of between a=435 Hz and a=440 Hz. Et voilà – the ultimate in very rare, French, conical ring-key flutes.

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