Transverse Flute 1850s - 1860s

This is a transverse flute by Clair Godfroy aine, made of metal. Unlike wooden flutes that came before, this one would have been made by drawing metal – pulling it through progressively smaller dies. It is fascinating to consider the degree of precision needed to make it playable. The dimensions and placement of the tone holes are crucial, and their corresponding keys are a feat of intricate metalwork. The material shift from wood to metal had a democratizing effect on the instrument, allowing them to be produced and marketed at a larger scale. What had been a rare luxury was now more widely available. This transition reflects broader social shifts, from artisanal craft towards industrial production, and the rising middle class. Considering the material, making, and the social context, we begin to appreciate the flute not just as a musical instrument, but as a symbol of its time.