Hi Nicole,

Thank you for contacting Mearto with your appraisal inquiry.

Silver flutes by Haynes represent the gold standard of American flute making from the late 19th century onward. Founded in Boston in 1888 by William S. Haynes, the firm quickly became known for handcrafted, precision-built flutes favored by top orchestral players. Haynes was a pioneer in using sterling silver (and later gold and platinum), moving away from wood and helping define the modern concert flute’s sound—focused, projecting, and flexible.

These flutes are traditionally recognized - and prized - for their exceptional craftsmanship, hand finishing, consistent scale and intonation; many famous solo and orchestral flautists played Haynes flutes (and if this flute was played by a well known flautist, that would increase its value).

The 1950s sit at a transition point in modern flute making. At the time, Haynes was still making largely hand-finished instruments, with a relatively small shop output and the quality of post-war materials was high, providing for more consistent tolerances and improved tooling. It was also at this time that the Boehm system - the modern fingering and key mechanism used on nearly all concert flutes today - was fully refined and stabilized. Critics and players recognized an increasing number of 1950s-era flutes having a warm, complex, slightly darker tone compared with some later, brighter instruments.

Most refurbished (restored) 1950s-era Haynes flutes can retail for between $2,500-3,500 depending on if the instruments has unique parts. Most mid-century silver Haynes flutes that come to auction rarely sell for more than $2,000 at auction

Based on the photos and information provided, and subject to examination, this is:

A vintage Haynes silver flute
Serial number: 26908, made on Sept. 6 1957
Flute: 27 inches long
Case: 2 inches high by 15 1/2 inches long by 3-1/4 inches deep
CONDITION: This flute appears to be in good used condition with working keys but a small dent; case with some wear and a crack, commensurate to age and use.
PROVENANCE: Inherited
$1.500-2,000*
*represents a fair-market value for auction purposes; retail or asking price may vary.

Please let us know if you have additional items to appraise, or questions/concerns, and thank you again for using Mearto.
~ Delia