Expert: Kenton Scott - 4/3/2010

Question
I have a Wm. S. Haynes D flat wood piccolo Ser. #4816, US Marine Corps. (Quartermaster Issue), made for the US Army Band in 1908. My father had owned it since 1925 and played it during the 1920's and 1930's in NYC.  It was then reconditioned and used in the 1970's and 1980's, but has been in storage since then.  No one in my family is interested in the piccolo, and I would like to sell it.  Since it is 112 years old, I thought there must be someone, a collector perhaps, who would appreciate this instrument.  Do you know of someone, or can you advise me on how to find people who might want this piccolo that has been in my family for 85 years?  Thank you for your time!

Answer
Haynes is a highly respected name in flutes and piccolos.  And, though there is a lot of old music that has Db pic parts, most new music and players use C piccolos.  Ebay is probably you best bet for finding someone who would like a Db.  There is currently one on there now for about $850.  You might want to watch that auction to see what happens with it.