I have a one keyed flute that is stamped- E Riley 29 Chatham ST N-York
It has some issues that would need repair (a couple of small cracks, missing end plug). Is this instrument worth anything? I am a musician, but have no knowledge or experience about these types of instruments.
I certainly like mine.
https://forums.chiffandfipple.com/t/e-riley-flute/80688/1
Put up some pictures if you can. Are you new to wooden flutes? Welcome, either way.
I acquired it years ago and it has sat around. It is not currently playable without some small repairs. I am not sure if it is just an interesting conversation piece or perhaps something that may be of value to someone.
It’s definitely valuable to someone as a piece of history, as you can see in the link I put in above. How valuable it is as a musical instrument depends on a few things, like how good the scale is, what pitch it plays in, what the tone is like etc. But all of those things are quite good on mine, so I’m sure yours is worth restoring.
One good thing about flutes is that they’re easy to mail! Yours deserves being fixed up by someone who knows how to make antique wooden flutes live again, and it shouldn’t cost too much.
Just stumbled across this:
http://mds.marshall.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1000&context=music_faculty
Terry
I think I will put it up for sale and see what the market will bring. I would like to get it in the hands of someone who will appreciate it.
FYI- it is currently on ebay
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=180856031456#ht_500wt_1129
I am also considering serious offers
(I hope it is appropriate to post this on this board, if not I apologize)
[ It’s perfectly OK. - Moderator ]
Very interesting. Judging by the shape of the embouchure, I’d guess it could be a very early one, perhaps the closest thing we’ve got to a true American traverso. Anybody else think so?
For the time being I have ended the ebay auction. I will try to find out a bit more about this instrument so that I can be accurate with the info. If anyone can be of any help or link me with someone who may be able to offer some info, please let me know. I would be happy to send pics via email if desired.
Relisted with updated write up and new info
which goes to:
[Direct link added. - Mod]
Interesting article Terry, but I think it states that he may have had another American flute maker make the flutes, as there was a embargo then a stiff tariff with England until the Spanish American War was over.
I have seen a few imported flutes that were rebranded, stamped Firth, Hall and Pond, that were clearly English make, even with the Patent stamp on the ivory rings…
This book looks like it may be a good source for information on instrument makers in New York, mentioned as reference in your article; http://www.amazon.com/Musical-Instrument-Makers-York-Nineteenth-Century/dp/0918728975. Just need to save up for it…
Interesting note in the above book, there were two classifications; Practical Craftsman and Non Practical Craftsman, the former made instruments and the later imported them as a dealer. Sounds like Riley was a maker not a dealer, at least in the first part of his career.