From my collection is a Vintage 19th-Century French Conical Wood Flute
Boehm System | Closed G# | Ring Keys | Extended Low B Footjoint | Case & Swabs.
Sounding length 63cm. Embouchure centre to D# 48.5 cm.
Embouchure 12.93 mm x 10.7 mm. Embouchure centre to receiver end 160 mm.
The flute could be Grenadilla or Ebony. Keywork is nickel silver. Mechanism is tight for its age.
Please review the photos and description carefully, as this flute is being sold with historical modifications as originally recieved when i purchased it some years ago:
**Maker's Mark:** The original stamped maker's mark was cleanly removed/shaved down by a previous owner sometime in its history. Was this a common historical practice in Europe during eras of geopolitical turmoil to obscure provenance? Perhaps a discussion topic.
**Headjoint:** The included headjoint is suspected to be a historical replacement rather than original to the body. The embouchure hole appears to have been widened in the past to alter the tone and projection. There is a short hairline crack (about 1 cm) on the headjoint which has been patched. No pins. See photo 4.
When test-played with a compatible headjoint albeit 8 mm shorter, the flute completely comes alive across all registers. It delivers a beautifully warm, even, and vocal tone with highly stable intonation, playing right at modern concert pitch (**A=438–440**).
**Mechanism:** The keywork has been restored to playing order. The pads seat and the mechanism moves, but as with any vintage woodwind that has traveled, it will likely require minor fine-tuning, oiling, and custom adjustment by a specialist to match your personal playing preferences.
The swabs came with the flute, but i frankly, they are not much use.
What is Included
* 19th-Century French Conical Flute Body & Low B Footjoint
* Vintage Fitted Hard Case (Original style, blue velvet lining)
* Two cleaning/swab rods shown in photos
Please do not hesitate to ask questions or to request more photos.