Description: This flute is made from boxwood that has been stained on the exterior surfaces, but not on the tenons. It has block-mounted, silver keys and turned ivory rings. Its head is fully lined in brass. The outer part of the tuning slide is nickel silver. The flute has 4 keys – Bb, G#, short F, and Eb.
Makers marks: The head is unmarked. The barrel is marked “KLEMM & BRO / PHILA.” twice. The body sections and foot are unmarked.
History: Klemm & Bro was established in 1819, as musical instrument importers and dealers, by John George Klemm and his brother Frederick August Klemm. They imported instruments and had instruments made for them in the US. This flute, which likely dates to around 1830-50, has features typical of US made instruments and was likely made for Klemm & Bro by Thomas J. Weygandt who was a Philadelphia based flute maker and supplier for Klemm & Bro at the time. This flute shares many features with a T. J Weygandt 4-key flute restored by Kelly Nivison.
Tuning: This flute plays in tune at A=425 hz with the tuning slide extended around 25 mm at 70 degrees F. The F# is rather flat.
Specifications: C# – D# 259 mm. L2 tone hole 7.2 mm. R2 tone hole 7 mm.
Condition: The flute plays well, albeit at low pitch. The wooden end cap is likely not original. The head has a repaired crack on the back side, which seems to be stable.
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