- Made in Boston, MA, circa 1925
- Sterling silver
- 0.020″ tubing
- Drawn tone holes
- Closed hole
- Plateau keys
- Half offset G
- B shake (B to C)
- C-foot with teardrop D# key
- Embouchure: 9.9 mm x 12.08 mm
- Weight: 435 g
- Headjoint sounding length: 163 mm
- Sounding length: 609 mm
- Traditional scale
- A=435-440 Hz
Given some similarities between this flute and a commercial Haynes, it’s no surprise to learn that Niles Christensen worked for Wm S Haynes Co from 1900 to 1912. In 1913, he partnered with John Schwelm before venturing off on his own in 1916 under the business name Christensen & Co.
The ribless construction harkens to some of Wm S Haynes’ flutes that also featured a ribless construction. Posts are soldered directly onto the tube so the tube may vibrate more freely.
The overall tone also reminisces a commercial Haynes flute from the 1910s and 1920s. The sound is sweet yet very robust.
The scale is most stable at A=435 Hz with the headjoint pulled out to 1/4″. It also plays well at 440 Hz with the headjoint at 1/16″.
As common with some flutes of this era, this flute has a B shake that operates the thumb key. It can be converted into a Bb shake, though some people prefer to keep the mechanism original.
The pads are relatively new and in excellent condition; they seal the tone holes very well. The case is newer and not original to the flute.
Price: $1,500
Sold as is. Sales tax applies to purchases within California. For inquiries on purchasing, please contact Gary Lewis.
