The flute is crafted in grenadilla and has nickel-silver keywork – and what amazing and unusual keywork! If you take a closer look at the photos, you will see what we mean. Firstly, we say fully equipped because it has a B-foot with pewter plugs for C-sharp, C and B. It features a very long D-sharp lever for the left thumb and has two G-sharp keys. There is also a B-flat key with a separate lever for the right index finger. It also has a C key plus three trill keys. There is also a lever which opens two trill keys and the C key at the same time.

In terms of condition, all the keywork is there and works very nicely. The head joint has the usual issues – cracks on the reverse side of the head joint and through the barrel. These cracks were previously restored by its former owner with wooden inlays. The name plaque is missing and the lower ring seems to have disappeared too. The embouchure is unaltered and lends the flute the character of a powerful orchestral instrument.

The flute has its original cork pads (only one is missing!) and the tone holes are lined with brass so that the cork-padded keys can seal properly. It needs an overhaul to be played professional again.

It plays at around a=440 Hz and has a bright and powerful sound. This flute would be perfect for playing late Romantic repertoire on a period instrument.

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