Help!! I have recently purchased a flute, and I
know little to nothing about them, so I was hoping you could help me find out
what I have. I purchased it at a Police Auction (it was recovered but unclaimed
property) for very little money, simply because I knew it was of a higher model,
and solid silver. The middle section bears the makers label, as follows: The
Haynes Flute MFD BY Wm. S. Haynes, Co. Boston, MA Reg. Trade Mark ... I will
describe the flute to the best of my abilities, but I warn you, I know little to
nothing about this instrument. I am a drummer! I have looked for a serial
number, however the only number I can find is not where I have seen other serial
numbers on your flutes, i.e. located below the manufacturers label. Instead, the
number "118" is located on the body of the middle section of the flute, hidden
below the rods. Is this the serial number? If not, where would I find it? ... On
the top section of the flute (the mouth piece section), there is an inscription
of the manufacturers initials (WSH), nestled within one another, and above and
below, the words "Reg. Trade mark", as seen below: Registered (WSH) Trade Mark
... The only other marking on the flute is the letter "F", located on the bottom
section of the flute, again, hidden below the rods. I have been told this is a
builder''s initial. Is this true? If so, who was the builder? This flute is of
the open pad variety, with 17 pads running down the body, three on the lowest
section. I am fairly certain it is solid silver. After looking on the haynes web
site, this flute looks similar to both the Handmade French flute, as well as the
LJD LightWeight model. The flute is in its original case, which appears to be
leather or something similar. The case is complete with the manufacturer''s
tag. The flute also comes with its original cleaning rod. The inside of the case
is in mint condition, where as the outside is a little scuffed up. I am
interested in finding out as much as I can about this instrument. It is in near
perfect condition, as far as I can tell, with no damage to the body or any
levers/pads. The pads are all completely intact and seemingly in very good
condition, as are all the cork bumpers behind the levers. I would especially
like to know the model and appx. date of manufacture. Also, an appx. value of
the flute. I would like to know of the history of this flute, if possible, and
anything else you would be able to offer. I have been told that this flute may
be around 50 years old, but I am not sure. Thank you in advance for your time...
Chris Mattoon and Katya Pozniakova
Old Haynes Flute... I need INFO!!
Moderators: Classitar, pied_piper, Phineas
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AG950Flute
- Posts: 139
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Old Haynes Flute... I need INFO!!
Dear Chris, It sounds as if you have
purchased a handmade Haynes flute by some of the descriptions you have given. It
is obviously very difficult to tell though without actually looking at the
instrument. I've personally tried several Haynes flutes over the years of
playing, and know that they are wonderful flutes. I'm not sure if the 118
number is the serially number of the instrument because if it was, I would think
that you would have a flute that was made within the first few years of Haynes
production. However, difficult to be sure without looking at the instrument.
Generally the serial number is on the barrel of the body of the flute (the big
middle section, below the Haynes inscription). I'm not sure what the letter "F"
stands for. I think my biggest suggestion would be to call Haynes and talk to
them personally. They can give you the best and most correct information about
the flute. Most companies may even have a database of information, especially if
it's one of their older instruments. Depending on where you're located I would
suggest taking it to a music store (if you're in N. California, I can suggest a
wonderful place
) if not, well, I MIGHT still be able to suggest some places.
If you do have a handmade instrument and depending on the condition, it could be
worth a couple thousand dollars, most likely no less than 2000 dollars. Just so
you know the difference, a handmade Haynes is completely handmade, the tone
holes are individually soldered (it's a little difficult to describe in an
email, but in essence, the hole is cut into the tubing and the chimney - which
is what the key hits to cover the hole - is then soldered on. the tone hole
(chimney) has a "sharper edge" to it, compared to one that looks like it has
been "rolled over" to have a smoother edge). Also, the french key arms are
different than the one on the LJD model. The LJD model is a production flute
with extruded or rolled tone holes. This is a process where the tone holes are
actually pulled out of the tubing. (a little cheaper process and faster opposed
to the soldered tone holes) Also, the keys on the LJD flutes do not have the
normal french key arms, I unfortunately do not know how to describe the way they
look in an email. perhaps you saw pictures on the haynes website. But like I
said, contact Haynes, they will be able to help you out, and they're very nice
and accomodating there!! Best of luck!
purchased a handmade Haynes flute by some of the descriptions you have given. It
is obviously very difficult to tell though without actually looking at the
instrument. I've personally tried several Haynes flutes over the years of
playing, and know that they are wonderful flutes. I'm not sure if the 118
number is the serially number of the instrument because if it was, I would think
that you would have a flute that was made within the first few years of Haynes
production. However, difficult to be sure without looking at the instrument.
Generally the serial number is on the barrel of the body of the flute (the big
middle section, below the Haynes inscription). I'm not sure what the letter "F"
stands for. I think my biggest suggestion would be to call Haynes and talk to
them personally. They can give you the best and most correct information about
the flute. Most companies may even have a database of information, especially if
it's one of their older instruments. Depending on where you're located I would
suggest taking it to a music store (if you're in N. California, I can suggest a
wonderful place
) if not, well, I MIGHT still be able to suggest some places. If you do have a handmade instrument and depending on the condition, it could be
worth a couple thousand dollars, most likely no less than 2000 dollars. Just so
you know the difference, a handmade Haynes is completely handmade, the tone
holes are individually soldered (it's a little difficult to describe in an
email, but in essence, the hole is cut into the tubing and the chimney - which
is what the key hits to cover the hole - is then soldered on. the tone hole
(chimney) has a "sharper edge" to it, compared to one that looks like it has
been "rolled over" to have a smoother edge). Also, the french key arms are
different than the one on the LJD model. The LJD model is a production flute
with extruded or rolled tone holes. This is a process where the tone holes are
actually pulled out of the tubing. (a little cheaper process and faster opposed
to the soldered tone holes) Also, the keys on the LJD flutes do not have the
normal french key arms, I unfortunately do not know how to describe the way they
look in an email. perhaps you saw pictures on the haynes website. But like I
said, contact Haynes, they will be able to help you out, and they're very nice
and accomodating there!! Best of luck!
Courtney
Morton
Morton