Willis Cocus & Silver 8-Key no. 1644

An 8-key flute in D by John Willis of London, crafted in cocus wood with silver fittings and keywork. Willis, working from Villiers Street in the Strand around 1820, produced flutes to an exceptional standard—precisely fitted keys, quality materials, and a level of finish that places them alongside the best English work of the era. This example bears the lyre mark and serial number typical of Willis instruments.

From the personal collection of flute maker Pat Olwell. Strong bottom D, responsive foot keys, and excellent tuning at A=440 with the headjoint tuning slide extended just a few millimeters. A perfect flute for someone seeking a small-holed instrument that still delivers great response, power, and energy.

In excellent restored condition.  Some repairs included sealing hairline cracks in the headjoint and barrel, grafting on a new long-f key block and concealing a previously pinned crack repair on the right hand section (underside) which is hard to see in person or in photographs now.