DCM 0338: George French Flute in C

Cap possibly not original. Large embouchure and toneholes, but not quite Nicholson model. The B-flat, G#, short F keys have, in addition to flat springs riveted to the finger lever, an opposing upward pressure flat spring screwed into the key track.
Instrument type: Flute in C
Medium: Figured boxwood, rosewood(?) cap and cork-setting mechanism, nickel silver keys and ferrules, metal-lined head.; 64.5 cm.
Key Holes System: 8 keys, saltspoon except low C#, C. To low C, pewter plug over square metal plates for C#, C. Pin in block.
Mark Maximum: (crown) / G. FRENCH / 19. LAYSTALL ST / GRAYS INN LANE / LONDON
Mark Additional: Mark on upper body. Head: (crown) / PATENT. Barrel, lower body, foot: (crown) / G. FRENCH / LONDON
Condition: Head joint upper section has an unusual serpentine crack which wanders with and both cross grain, and shows an early repair (filling) attempt. Lower body joint crack at socket.
Provenance: William Powell, Birmingham, England, 17 May 1923.

The Dayton C. Miller collection in the Library of Congress, contains nearly 1,700 flutes and other wind instruments, statuary, iconography, books, music, trade catalogs, tutors, patents, and other materials mostly related to the flute. It includes both Western and non-Western examples of flutes from around the world, with at least 460 European and American instrument makers represented. Items in the collection date from the 16th to the 20th century.