Description

Solid silver flute – RIVE, Claude

If you always longed to possess and play an exquisite solid silver flute by the French master Claude RIVE (1833-1895), we’re ready to fulfil your dream.

Claude Rive flutes are rare since it is thought that he only made around 900 instruments. This particular beauty is rarer still in that it is a totally original flute with no alterations whatsoever. 

The Lyon-born maker Rive, who became an orphan at the age of just 11, would move to Paris to become a jeweller and a key maker for no other than Vincent Hypolite GODFROY (1806-1868). In 1877, he set up his own instrument workshop at 93 rue du Temple, Paris. Shortly after setting up, Rive exhibited his “flûtes cylindriques” at the 1878 Universal Exposition in Paris and was honoured with a silver medal. At the next show in 1889 he also received a silver medal.

On his death, in 1895, Rive’s workshop was taken over by Jules Alexandre ROBERT (1853-?). Claude Rive seems had no children with his wife Anne VIDAL (1839-1920) who continued to live at the 93 rue du Temple address until she died in 1920.

With its serial number 528, we can estimate that this C-foot flute was made by Rive in around 1886-1887. The silver is beautiful and hallmarked throughout. The flute has small cups which are 2 mm smaller than those on the foot joint. The embouchure measures 10.25 mm x 11.87 mm.

This instrument seems to have been custom made for a person with a small left hand. It is assumed that the added touch-piece to the C-sharp key and G key was made by Rive himself. It can easily be removed by the right professional if necessary. It is supplied in its original case with the legendary 93 rue du Temple engraving.

The flute is in wonderful condition and has amazing potential. It was previously repadded but could use some adjustments. It plays at a=440 Hz fully inserted with an incredibly rich and powerful sound.

Don’t let this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity slip away to add a solid silver Claude Rive flute to your collection.