Expert: Kenton Scott - 3/20/2006

Question
I have a wooden flute that was my great grandfather's who brought it from Italy in the 1890's.  Obviously, it came from Germany.  I was wondering if there ia any value to instruments made by this company.  The flute is completely wooden - I would guess rosewood or pearwood, in good condition and I think it has 6-8 holes.  Any advice on the value would be greatly appreciate.

Answer
My knowledge base is in brass not woodwinds, so I don't know how much help I can be.

The Mollenhauer family has a long history of making woodwind instruments, going back to the 1820s and up through at least the 1950s.  

I think they also made other woodwinds including piccolos, recorders, and maybe fifes.  But from what I read, it sounds like they made flutes with keys early on.  So, I'm not sure what it is that you have.  But, it might be a pretty early instrument.

kms