This is superb example of German flute-making at its finest. The flute does not have a serial number, so we can conclude that it is one of the earliest examples of the Rittershausen/Fischer partnership. We think this instrument was therefore made around 1895, at the beginning of their business relationship.

The flute exudes German meticulous and quality craftsmanship. Fortunately, it has a closed G-sharp key ! The D-sharp key has a perfectly rounded and smooth shape. The trill keys are simply nice and feel wonderful to touch. The flute features adjusting screws too, with very special ones at the thumb key. The lip-plate is convex in shape. The embouchure itself is small at just 9.9 mm x 11.8 mm – this lends the instrument a very colourful, bright and open sound through all the range of notes. Its intonation is very good and it’s easy to play – even E3. With the head joint fully inserted, the pitch is slightly under a=440 Hz.

The case, which was battered and worn, was restored and a new key was found.

This Rittershausen solid 800 silver flute is fully restored.  It was completely cleaned and looks shiny and almost new. Now with its new springs, pads, adjusting shims, felts, cork and head cork, it’s ready to play whatever its new owner wishes.

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