THANKS ALL FOR LOOKING- THE FLUTE HAS BEEN SOLD. I WILL LEAVE THE PICTURES AND DESCRIPTION UP FOR ANOTHER DAY OR SO.
I’m selling an eight-key cocuswood flute made in England about 1840-1850. Chris Wilkes says the flute was made by Henry Wylde, who made flutes for Rudall-Rose, among others. The body of the flute resembles a medium-hole Rudall from that period.
The head-joint and tuning barrel are custom-made by Wilkes and are in perfect condition. The flute body has a repaired lined socket on the right hand center piece and a solid repair to a long-F block. Both repairs are totally stable. Aside from normal scratches accumulated over 160 years the flute is in very good condition. The flute is better than the pictures—my old digital camera introduces some distortion.
I have had several pads replaced and the flute gone through by Jon Dodd, flute repairman from Miltown-Malbay. The keys are responsive and seal perfectly. It is a great flute. It plays beautifully, with good volume and a lovely tone. It is in good tune at A440 with the head pulled out less than a half inch.
The flute came to me by way of a friend who bought it from Andrew Kirby. Andrew and Chris Wilkes were very close friends at the time. Andrew sold the flute to my friend for $2,200. It is not surprising that this flute plays like a contemporary 8-key Wilkes.
I am offering this flute for $2,200. If the flute had silver keys it would be worth over $4,000. A keyless Wilkes flute sold recently for $3,000. The wait for a Wilkes flute is now ten years.
The price includes a sturdy wooden case with corner blocks. Registered airmail posting from Ireland will cost an additional $30. Let me know if you want more pictures or more information.
