Antique Ebony & Ivory 6-Key, D

Note: Due to the ivory fittings, this flute is only available for sale in the US.

An early nineteenth century six-key flute with square keys and ivory mounts, reportedly dating from around 1810. Sounding length is 593mm. There is no maker's mark anywhere on the instrument.

The ebony body carries ivory rings at each joint and ivory caps at head and foot. The keys are the flat, square-shanked pattern used before saddle and post mounting became standard, seated directly in raised wooden blocks, and the tuning slide runs in a wooden sleeve. The crown and stopper assembly are in good order, and the cork carries a silver facing, which is a nicer touch than the period strictly called for.

Offered as a restoration project. The head joint has a hairline crack and does not currently seal, the barrel and its ivory ring are cracked, and the pads throughout want replacing. The bones are good: the right hand section and foot joint are structurally sound with no cracks at all, and the short F key on the right hand section still seals tight. Priced as is so that the work can be contracted out by whoever takes it on.