Can anyone out there tell me about the flute maker E. Riley? I know he is from New York, made flutes in the early 1800s . . . put together tune books, but this is all I know. Thanks.
I think he was actually English, from London, an engaver and printer/publisher:
Riley, Edward, 1769-1829
“Riley, engraver and printer,
No 6, Great Surry Street, Black-friars Road”
London
The New Langwill Index lists Edward Riley senior (1769-1829), emigrated from London to New York in 1805. He is listed as instrument maker and dealer, music publisher, flute player, singer and music teacher. John Firth and William Hall (later Firth & Hall) were Riley’s sons-in-law.
Dave Copley
Loveland, Ohio
Thank you! This is all helpful information. Does anyone out there know of any Riley flutes in existence? The reason I ask is that I want to find out the value of these flutes. Thanks.
Well sortof, I have and FHP body with E riley head and footjoint. Works beautifully but I’m selling it.
DP - I saw your flute (it’s on eBay, right?). Looks nice.
Eric
I have a friend with an E. Riley stained boxwood 4 key. Lovely old job, mellow sounding. Bottom D’s a bit flat. Has a tuning slide. Looks much like yours, which by the way is Ebay item #3762977748.
That’s my flute on eBay, as to looking nice thank the repair tech boys, I certainly couldn’t have fixed her up! I just came into that flute awhile ago and thought it was worth fixing and trying, but in the meanwhile my Copeland arrived so that was it. I was in love with another beautiful lady, what can you do?
If anyone has more questions about it though, feel free, I can’t say I have all the answers though.