Thanks everybody- I will let the original post stand, as follows. I have a firm commitment from somebody who wants to buy the flute.
I’ve been collecting flutes for years. Now I am funding a shed that is becoming a cottage in Co. Clare and I need to thin the collection.
I am offering an 8-key Metzler flute for sale. The flute is made of flawless cocus wood and has silver keys and elaborately embossed silver bands. The bands are in lovely condition.
The flute has been retuned by Patrick Olwell and plays well in the key of D. The two bottom keys (C and C#) function easily and well. All pads seal perfectly. The tuning is still somewhat idiosyncratic but the flute can certainly be played in tune.
There are signs of repaired hairline cracks on the barrel and the head-joint. The cracks were repaired in the Olwell shop and are well done. The HJ features a silver lip-plate of indeterminate age. The stamp on the HJ reads: “Metzler / London / 105 Wardour St / Patent.” The tuning slide is covered in cocus, so that when the slide is pulled out it does not show metal. The Bb block is chipped and the block for the long C has been replaced. This does not affect the functioning of the keys.
The sterling silver key work is elegant, simple, and exquisite. The sound is surprisingly loud and forceful for a medium holed flute. It is well-suited to Irish music and is ideal for a player with smaller hands. It is similar to the Metzler flute that Roger Sherlock played for years. It plays as well as any Rudall of the period- the sound is reminiscent of Chris Norman’s work. This flute was state of the art for the period and is characteristic of Metzler’s best work around 1825-1830.
I am asking $1,400 for the flute, including a sturdy cycolac case (not shown). Click on a picture to see a larger version. I will be happy to send additional pictures.
This flute is a gem.
