I have in my possession a lovely old wooden open holed, 4 keyed (silver) flute made by Boosey and Hawkes in London. It is 385 mm long and the lowest note is B at 440. The timber I believe is rosewood. It is in excellant condition and sounds beautiful. Could anybody give me an age on this and the possible value as I may put it on the net to sell , as I do not play it and it really should go to a good home. Unfortunately I do not have access to a digital camera for you to appreciate it ! Jerry
Jerry,
Lucky you!
As far as I know all the Boosey flutes ar numbered. If you can read the number on the flute it should be quite easy to determine the approx. age of the flute.
cheers,
Jeroen
I’d consider giving the flute to an expert for a check-up as well as for giving them a chance to take measurements and photographs before selling it, but it’s only me, with my “we’re keepers, not owners” attitude 
Anyway, there’s a certain Terry McGee in Australia who is most likely qualified to give you an estimate of the flute’s worth.
Sonja
Terry McGee is probably the person to look it over for you. Now, before you go putting it on the net for sale consider how much better it would be to offer it to a compatriot who would lavish loving attention on it.
Hi Jerry, please check your personal messages.
G
This instrument is in all probability a high pitched Bb fife. They sell for around $200.
The flute is not numbered and I shall give Terry McGee a call about it. Maybe he can help me. There are no cracks in it either ! Sorry gcollins in China , I have no idea how to contact you. I am certainly open to offers and maybe it will stay in Oz. Jerry
Do not get confused between Boosey & Co , and Boosey & Hawkes .
Do not get confused between Boosey & Co , and Boosey & Hawkes .
Terry Mcgee knows the flute well. It is a Bb Boosey and Hawkes flute made about 1930. Cannot put a value on it, so suggests eBay unless someone makes me a good offer. Regards. Jerry