Description

Piccolo by Niles Christensen

Niles CHRISTENSEN was born in Vejle, Denmark on 27 June 1874 to Karen Langsen and Christen Nilsen. He emigrated to the USA, arriving there in 1892 and was registered as a musician. Later, he took up American citizenship. If we take a look through the New Langwill Index, we can find some more details.

It seems that Niles Christensen may have learnt how to make flutes while working for Harry BETTONY (1867-1953). Harry Bettony was also an emigrant, but English. He arrived in the US in 1893 and went on to make flutes in direct competition to Haynes flutes. Niles Christensen worked for William Sherman HAYNES (1864-1939) from 1900-1912. He then set up the company ‘Christensen & Schwelm Co.’ as a partnership with German, John G. SCHWELM (1885-1956) which only lasted for two years (1913-15). In 1916 Niles set up the company ‘Christensen & Co. independently. So we can date this instrument to sometime around 1920.
Love had blossomed between Niles and the Canadian emigree Jessie Flora MacAulay, who was a hairdresser.  They were married on 28 June 1908 in Boston. Niles passed away on 4 January 1934 and Jessie much later in 1965.
The piccolo is made of grenadilla with a silver plated key mechanism with gold springs. The pitch is a=440 Hz. This instrument is in playing condition; however; a general overall including some new pads would be recommended.