Currently offered for adoption is a 6-key French flute with a brass corset (oh là là!). SOLD!
There is no maker’s mark upon this flute, only stamped “Made in France” upon the head. I suspect the original barrel would’ve bore a mark. I do not know the wood, but suspect it is Cocus as there are lots of red highlights in the wood when viewed under strong light (didn’t show up in the picture). The flute is well made and plays very well at A = 440! However, the holes are small and the F# does sound at least 5 cents flat (nature of the beast). There are a modest number of small scratches and dings for a Centenarian and the bottom ring is missing from the foot.
This flute plays quite well. I think it would well suit either a person wishing to try keys (French keys are easily reached) or perhaps someone thinking of trying a Baroque flute (use just the Eb key and cross fingerings). French flutes are much like Baroque flutes with keys. --(Wonder if I’ll be refuted upon that point. 
But it is my opinion and I’m entitled!)–
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Thanks for your consideration.
Is it loud enough for a session? As in, a session of 6-7 people? I’m afraid it won’t be, as the holes are too small, but if not, you might have a sale. And one more thing, do the pads need replacing?
Dear Threesom,
It would not be my first choice for a session instrument.
But it does have surprising power if you’ve got a very focused embouchure. Blowing harder doesn’t make this one louder, focus and finesse do!
The beginner’s sessions I’ve been to were quite civilized and this flute would do very well. But in a rough and tumble not holds barred session it would get lost.
This flute is Good to Go! Everything works from the gidge down to the Eb key.
How high is the range? Even if I don’t use it in a session, I have other more classical uses for such a flute.
Hey Threesom,
I don’t play above the 3rd D.
But this is the type of flute used by Cuban Charanga players and the go up into the stratosphere!
If you really want to know, I could check it out this afternoon.
Nah, it’s fine. It’ll probably work if I can get my pvc flute to work most of the 3rd octave. But one last thing, is it capable of having a nice dark and reedy tone?
If it is any help, here’s a demo clip I made of a similar French flute I have here (done up) - only a 5-keyer (also missing foot-end ferrule ring) and really meant for slightly lower pitch, though it just comes up to 440. No probs with full 3 8ves and good strong sound - would be fine in all but a mega-sesh!
I would add this to the discussion: I have an eight key flute of apparent French manufacture. quite similar to the one pictured. The Head was only partially lined, and had a similarly small oval embouchure hole. The tuning barrel had the usual crack, so while I had this taken down for repair, I substituted the H.J. from a Pepper flute, fully lined, with a modern lozenge shaped embouchure I had on hand. Holy Tamole! The flute Honks. The Pepper H.J. might be .1 mm greater in diameter. No change in intonation. Flute plays A=440 with an extension of 4 mm.
Certainly an avenue worthy of exploration. You could get a flute with modern tuning and excellent intonation, as well as a candidate for a session cannon.
Bob