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musical instrument details
Rare Antique American Flute
Estimated price for orientation: 1 800 $
Category: Wind
Class:
Description Brand: Richards Headjoint Material: Sterling Silver Type: Soprano Flute Riser Material: Silver Body Material: Sterling Silver Country/Region of Manufacture: United States Skill Level: Professional
This is truly a remarkable instrument that was made in the 20th century, likely from 1910 to 1920, but owes its existence to the superb workmanship of the 19th century great Alfred Badger. The maker is William Richards, a man who apprenticed under Badger and then went on to run the Badger shop long after the master had passed on. Richards, like Meinell, learned the fine art of making beautiful and extremely well constructed flutes, and this instrument for sale here is a true testament to that perfection of art. A look at the superbly crafted keywork, featuring soldered toneholes and gold springs, as well as the wood crown screw receptor on the headjoint, points clearly to the Badger tradition. I have owned a number of Badgers and Meinells over the years, and this flute looks, feels and plays like one of them. The big difference is that this flute has a sounding length of 603mm, so it plays at modern pitch!! After a complete overhaul by Pat Nash, the flute plays beautifully with a sweet lyric voice recalling the great French instruments of the period. Comes in its original case, which is in good condition for its age. I can't say enough about this instrument! If you love the great flutes made by Badger, you will love this one as well. And it actually plays at modern pitch!! It's truly the best of both worlds: an antique flute that can be played with today's ensembles!!
Description
| Brand: | Richards | Headjoint Material: | Sterling Silver |
| Type: | Soprano Flute | Riser Material: | Silver |
| Body Material: | Sterling Silver | Country/Region of Manufacture: | United States |
| Skill Level: | Professional |
This is truly a remarkable instrument that was made in the 20th century, likely from 1910 to 1920, but owes its existence to the superb workmanship of the 19th century great Alfred Badger. The maker is William Richards, a man who apprenticed under Badger and then went on to run the Badger shop long after the master had passed on. Richards, like Meinell, learned the fine art of making beautiful and extremely well constructed flutes, and this instrument for sale here is a true testament to that perfection of art. A look at the superbly crafted keywork, featuring soldered toneholes and gold springs, as well as the wood crown screw receptor on the headjoint, points clearly to the Badger tradition. I have owned a number of Badgers and Meinells over the years, and this flute looks, feels and plays like one of them. The big difference is that this flute has a sounding length of 603mm, so it plays at modern pitch!! After a complete overhaul by Pat Nash, the flute plays beautifully with a sweet lyric voice recalling the great French instruments of the period. Comes in its original case, which is in good condition for its age. I can't say enough about this instrument! If you love the great flutes made by Badger, you will love this one as well. And it actually plays at modern pitch!! It's truly the best of both worlds: an antique flute that can be played with today's ensembles!!