I noticed this flute and thought it might be interesting. I have no idea who made it so I tried to look it up. http://cgi.ebay.ca/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=3761532578
The listing says there was a note in the case that said “Ruttle, Rose, & Carte” or something as well as some comments about Irish flutes, and the date 1858, (if my memory serves me correctly). The flute is stamped “C. Fischer New York”
I found the website( http://www.carlfischer.com )and there was a brief biography on the man. It says he lived from 1849-1923, making him 9 years old at the time the note says the flute was made. In the early days of his business he sold instruments, (some he imported from Europe) as well as sheet music (which they sell today).
I don’t trust the note, and the seller isn’t claiming to be knowledgeable about flutes, but I would find it interesting to know the story behind this one. Would Carl Fischer have contracted one of the producers of Nach Meyer style flutes,(he was a German) or an American company to make him a batch of flutes? If so, then when was it really made?
The seller hasn’t replied to my e-mail asking about the condition yet, (little or nothing is said about it in the listing) but it looks as though it might be worth it if it goes cheap.
This is what happens when I spend too much time on the internet.
Damn you e-Bay!!! 