A solid silver flute made in the workshop of Clair Godfroy, Aine, circa 1864.

Engraved on the head, body and foot joints: CLAIR / GODFROY AINE / Brevete / PARIS / 859

One French hallmark, almost invisible, on the head socket.

Soldered tone-holes, perforated keywork to low C, in-line G.

We measure the silver tube as .013 inches.

B to C trill.

Sounding length is 599 mm. The head may have been shortened several mm.

Intonation, with the head pulled three mm, is superb, playing well at 438-439, but not 442 or higher.

Original spike and washer pad retainers.

Case is original, with maker's stamps.

Total weight is 373 grams.

The instrument appears to have been played very little, showing sharp engraving on the head, body and foot.

Keywork does not show marks of swedging.

No damage to the tube, no appearance of any burnishing or other repairs to the body.

Simply said, the flute is magnificent with a wonderful feminine voice. It's quite different from a modern instrument.

Rare and beautiful, a true work of art, it's not for sale at this time.