This Christensen-Schwelm flute is on eBay and it has an interesting knob/lever/key on the lower main body near the left thumb keys.
Can anyone explain what it is?
This unknown to me “mechanism” can be seen in a few of the pictures on the listing.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/120914261513?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1438.l2649#ht_8264wt_1284
Yes, that’s what is sometimes called a ‘flute crutch,’ which is used to hold the flute.
As I recall it rests on the webbing tween the thumb and forefinger (or thereabouts)
and so gives the fingers more extension. This seems to have been dropped from
flutes in more recent times, but one sees it occasionally in older flutes.
I tried one once and liked it and wouldn’t mind seeing it revived.
I think that is a device intended to keep your hand in the correct position over the keys.
Thank you very much. I can see how it is a “flute crutch” now. Would be interesting to try it sometime.