W.Milhouse or W.Milhause 19th century flute maker info

sponge · Post by **sponge** » Mon Nov 19, 2007 4:12 pm

Hi all,

trying to gets some info on a 19th century flute maker, I have been offered a flute that the seller has quoted as being made by W. Milhause,
thats how he has sent the name to me via e-mail, the flute is in france at the moment, so he cant check the spelling, I have searched and most info comes up for a W.Milhouse but not Milhause, if anyone knows any more about either of these guys and or if the name has just been written differently thoughout the years and they are one of the same, as Clark Kent is to Superman so to speak, the flute is dark unknown wood plays to A440 and has 8 keys no pics as yet, it also has had no repairs and is free of any cracks, so its been well looked after.

any help appreciated

sponge

Terry McGee · Post by **Terry McGee** » Tue Nov 20, 2007 6:11 am

The NLI makes no mention of a Milhause. Be aware that at this time, well known makers attracted fakes - the "basmati Potters", Monsane (Monzani), and the lovely flute I have here by Rudail & Rose. It seems mispelling the name was enough to avoid prosecution. It's possible that Milhause was one of them.

Check out the Rudail and Rose at:

http://www.mcgee-flutes.com/RR_fake.htm

Terry

crookedtune · Post by **crookedtune** » Tue Nov 20, 2007 8:27 am

Damn the forgers!

My wife is still scarred from having received "Barbette" and "Kent" dolls as a child. The therapy is helping, though...

jemtheflute · Post by **jemtheflute** » Tue Nov 20, 2007 11:26 am

crookedtune wrote:Damn the forgers! My wife is still scarred from having received "Barbette" and "Kent" dolls as a child. The therapy is helping, though...

How? Anyone who even had the genuine articles foisted upon them, let alone actually wanted them, is by definition terminally and irreversibly scarred. Only My Little Ponyism is worse!

sponge · Post by **sponge** » Tue Nov 20, 2007 3:24 pm

Hi All,

thanks for the input, it turns out it is a W.MILHOUSE, still not alot about this chap, other than he stopped making around 1840.

the seller came by it via family handown, its totally free of cracks and any kind of damage, holes appear to be medium sized, embouchure slightly larger than the usual, very decorative rings, 8 silver keys, 5 sections, lined head joint, it has been tested at a music shop and is said to be A440,
and its made of cocus.

so do I make a trip across the water and have a look?????

sponge

jemtheflute · Post by **jemtheflute** » Tue Nov 20, 2007 4:01 pm

Why not? You're well positioned to do so - especially if the present keeper is not toofar off the other side! You make it sound very nice - only way to know is to get your hands on it and give it a toot. Take pics if you do go and post 'em, whether you buy or not if they'll let you! You've tickled our curiosity.

nitterwhiskers · Post by **nitterwhiskers** » Tue Nov 20, 2007 4:10 pm

I've tried one of these ornate ringed cocus Milhouse flutes (8 keyed) - by the looks of the one I tried it must have been one his later flutes. It played very well with good intonation and I remember the response was very good. Can't you have it on approval for a week or so? Let me know if you do get it and what you think, I'm still considering buying the one I tried (I think it was up for £1000).