Antique 6-Key Wood Flute

Likely dating from the late 19th or early 20th century, this anonymous six-key wooden flute is in good working order with relatively fresh pads that seal well across all keys. It plays comfortably at A440 with the tuning slide extended just a few millimeters.

The tone is notably sweet and clear, particularly in the second register. The low D is present but not the strongest note on the instrument, and the E benefits noticeably from venting the Eb key for fuller strength and sonority. Intonation is not entirely hands-off; some notes will require lipping up or down to play accurately in tune, so the instrument rewards a player who is comfortable adapting their embouchure. It is not a high-volume session instrument, but it would serve well in a smaller group setting or as a capable introduction to playing with keys.

The maker and precise date of manufacture are unidentified. The construction and overall character are consistent with workshop flutes produced in the late 19th or early 20th century, though no markings have been found to narrow this further.