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Important Flute by Meacham & Co., made 1827 - $750 (Syracuse)
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Museum Piece, Handcrafted 1827-28
Greetings! I am pleased to offer this very rare flute by Meacham & Co. of Albany NY. The firm, while active from 1806-1832, operated under this name only from 1827-28. Examples of flutes by this firm and successors are in a number of important collections, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the National Music Museum, and the Smithsonian Institution. This EXTREMELY RARE AND IMPORTANT INSTRUMENT is almost two centuries old. It is made of boxwood throughout, with 5 mounts and 4 flat, round brass keys with flat leather pads, in turned-and-carved risers. All sections are clearly marked: "MEACHAM & Co / ALBANY". The head cap and mounts are original and intact, except for a shrinkage crack in both rings on the foot. The instrument plays D to d at about A=440 (Low Pitch) and has a sounding length from the center of the embouchure to the end of the foot of 533.4mm (21".) Overall length is 608mm (23-15/16".)
CONDITION: Cosmetically excellent overall, seems to be playable, but probably should be tweaked by an expert to be completely historically correct and fully functional. There are no visible cracks or checks in the instrument, except for the previously mentioned shrinkage cracks in two of the rings, which should only be repaired by a specialist in antique woodwinds. All four joints are wound with correct string and can be separated. The rings are original. The pads seem to be functional and I can play the instrument from bottom to top through two full octaves. The instrument is sold AS-IS with no warranties. See pictures. WYSIWYG.
PLAYING QUALITIES: It is playable, and I can produce the entire compass for two full octaves, but should be gone over by an expert restorer. HOWEVER, it is sold as a collectible or for restoration only. NOTE that I make no representations made about its suitability for your intended use.
ACCESSORIES: NONE: No case. See pictures; WYSIWYG.
SHIPPING: Insured shipping IN THE CONTINENTAL USA ONLY via USPS will be $30. NO INTERNATIONAL SALES. Located in Syracuse NY. BUYER IS WELCOME TO PICK UP THE ITEM AND PAY UPON PICKUP.
THE STRAIGHT DOPE: This is your chance to own a true museum piece. Although it may need minor work to be fully playable and completely period-correct, this extremely rare and important flute by Meacham & Co. of Albany NY is a 200-year-old museum piece that would be a centerpiece of your collection. All sales FINAL unless I determine that I significantly misrepresented it. I'll be happy to answer any questions about the instrument itself. I DO NOT reply to "Is this still available?" If the post is up, it's available. Thanks for looking and good luck bidding!
TERMS: Pickup in person in Syracuse NY, cash only; or I will ship this instrument fully insured at the buyer's expense, within the continental United States ONLY, in which case PayPal Goods & Services (with a 1.5% upcharge) will be the only acceptable method of payment. No international sales.
US$800.00
ATTENTION SCAMMERS: I've seen it all. NO bank drafts; NO "agents"; NO meeting you at some parking lot; NO text messages; NO blind gee mail addresses. I may have been born at night, but not LAST NIGHT.
All you nice honest folks out there in Craigslistland, please contact me if you have an interest in this instrument. I'll be glad to email/text more pics and details. Thanks for looking!