Hi everyone, this is my first time on chiffandfipple and indeed my first time on a forum so bear with me as i post in wrong places etc.!
Ive joined to ask if anyone could assist with my research regarding a 19th century cocuswood 6 key piccolo flute i recently bought. Its made by Besson and Co. and the stamp on the body of the flute reads: Class A, Besson & co. makers, 198 euston road, London, british made followed by a 5 point star. The serial number is 2706 which leads me to believe it’s a relatively early one probably in the late 1800’s. Im trying to find more about it as im hoping to sell it, so if anybody has an interest in it or has a price in mind, I have it posted in the instrument exchange part of the site.
HERE IS THE PHOTO… http://postimg.org/image/chv3tjyin/
It even has what i think is its original box but unfortunately it seems to be missing the original wooden ‘middle section?’ as the current one has tell tale turning marks and seems to be made of a bakelite type material. As a studying guitar maker I’m considering turning a new cocuswood one with a matching nickelsilver banding, but my worry is the effect to value with a replicated wood part or the one still with the instrument.
Below are the dimensions in the hope somebody would be able to work out the key of the instrument or identify it as a specific kind of piccolo. These dimensions do not include the slides joining the sections together.
Mouthpiece section - 8.7cm
Midpiece section - 5.3cm
Body (with keys) section - 18.3cm
Appologies for my ignorance with regards to flute terms. I’ve been unable to find any info for besson serial numbers beyond brass instruments and have pretty much drawn a blank on research.
Im basically looking for some information regarding value or a more specific age as well as where i could get rid of it (seems a shame putting it on eBay), as so far I have only found a similar besson cocuswood flute for sale from a dealer for £1500, and have been told that for some reason the equivilent piccolo is worth considerably less.
thanks in advance!