This is an antique American 6-key flute made by William Hall & Son of New York in the mid 1800s. It has makers marks on all sections and has been meticulously restored to full playing condition.It has a relatively small bore and small tone holes, typical of American flutes of that period, and will suit players who like a flute with low breath requirements. It responds well to a gentle touch and focused embouchure and the small tone holes enable crisp ornaments.It is made from beautifully figured Cocuswood and has German Silver keys and tuning slide. It plays well at modern pitch (A=440 hz). The rings on this flute are made from imitation ivory and are exact replicas of the original ivory rings, some of which were broken. The original tuning slide barrel was damaged beyond repair and has been replaced with a new one, made from brown colored African Blackwood, but using the original metal work. The new barrel has been made slightly longer than the original in order to facilitate playing at modern pitch (A=440 hz) with slightly less tuning slide extension.William Hall was born in Sparta, NY, in 1796 and died in New York in 1874. He worked as an apprentice for Meacham until 1812, when he joined the militia. After the war he worked with John Firth, for E. Riley, in New York. In 1820 he established independently as a musical instrument maker, and in 1821 partnered with Firth as Firth & Hall, and then from 1831 with Sylvanus Pond as Firth, Hall & Pond. In 1847 he established independently, with his son James F. Hall as William Hall & Son. They made pianos in addition to flutes and other instruments, and in 1855 employed 25 men and 5 boys. In 1875 the company was bought by Ditson.
