Andrew Kauffmann Ivory & Silver 8-Key, D

Note: Due to the ivory, this flute is available to US customer only.

This Andrew Kauffmann ivory and silver 8-key flute in D is a beautifully preserved example of fine 19th-century craftsmanship. The instrument plays solidly at A440 with the slide extended only about 4mm, making it accessible for modern pitch while maintaining its historical character.

The workmanship throughout is exceptional. Ornate rings and careful attention to detail demonstrate the maker's commitment to quality construction. Tuning and intonation are remarkably good across the range.

As is typical for ivory flutes of this age, the barrel and headjoint sections bear hairline cracks, which have been sealed. The instrument remains in remarkable condition overall, with all keys functioning properly. This is the kind of flute that rewards both the collector who appreciates fine historical workmanship and the player seeking an instrument with genuine character and musical voice.

Andrew Kauffmann was a British woodwind maker active in London from before 1807 through 1827. He worked at various London addresses including 4 Angel Court on Skinner Street and 1 Halfmoon Passage on Aldgate Street. Kauffmann manufactured wooden flutes in the English eight-key tradition, producing instruments from premium materials including ivory and cocuswood with silver keywork. Some of his flutes bear a "Patent" marking along with a bird head stamp and his maker's mark.

His instruments typically featured eight silver keys with traditional pin-in-block construction, ivory caps and tuning slides, and the metal-lined headjoints common to quality English flutes of the period. Kauffmann worked during a transformative era in London flute making, when makers like Potter and the emerging Rudall & Rose firm were establishing the English style characterized by larger tone holes and fuller sound compared to continental instruments. Examples of his work survive in collections at the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Library of Congress.

Sounding Length: 592mm