1805 - 8-key conical flute stamped Simpson

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Although in its current state - with the outside surface of the flute rather dried out, with cracks, missing keys and damaged blocks, it looks in a sorry state - the basic workmanship of the instrument is sound, and probably warrants restoration. Although there are no visible stamps on the keys, several later Simpson-stamped flutes with one-piece centre body joints have keys stamped 'Wylde', and it's tempting, given the rather 'flag-shaped' touches on the C#/C keys to attribute this to him. Simpson certainly trained as a maker - notably of flageolets - but equally clearly it can be demonstrated that he bought in many of his flutes, including instruments from Thomas Prowse senior's workshop and from the various makers at 25 Villiers Street (post-Willis).