Reparing an old, and damaged, flute (?)

Irish Flute
1

Hello all,

I have an issue with a flute, and I am hoping someone here can help me or point me in the right direction.

At the moment I play the tin whistle, but I have played the flute for a while in the past. It was a new flute, not sure of the make.

My grandfather was a musician in the Netherlands (I live in the UK) in the 30’s to 60’s, playing mainly the Piano, but also the Flute and other instruments occasionally.
Years and years ago I got his flute, but sadly it is damaged, not sure how old it is and who made it.
I would like to have it repaired, but I have no idea if it is possible, if it is practicle, if it is affordable, and if it’s worth the trouble.
A broken instrument is so sad, and would love to bring new live to it.

I’ll add a few pictures, where you’ll be able to see where is white covering horn is broken, and I think all the rubbers are dry as well.

Does anyone here know what is possible, and how to proceed from here?

Many thanks in advance,

Regards,
Erwin

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2

Hi there, and welcome aboard. I’m afraid I’ve not much positive to say. The flute is a typical "nach Meyer"style (cf http://www.oldflutes.com/articles/meyer.htm) late C19th or early C20th German made one. These were mostly only ever cheap instruments. Some can be good players, others were never really usable as serious musical tools! The only way to find out for a given example is to restore it to playing condition, and it may not prove to be worth the cost/hassle! Moreover, the majority of these were not built to play at modern concert pitch A=440Hz, but at diapason normal, A=435 - and they won’t tune sharp enough for modern ensemble use. However, some were built for modern pitch. If you measure the “sounding length” in mm, from the centre of the embouchure (blow) hole to level with the far, open, foot end, measured on the assembled flute, all parts pushed right home, then I can tell you what the probable design pitch is. If it is Low Pitch, there’s little value or use in it. If it is of a length suitable for modern pitch use, then it might be worth having it restored. But, the cracks in the ivory head are a bit of a problem - not too bad to fix in wood, but much more awkward in ivory.
I hope that helps.