1-Key Flute by Camus of Praris, c. 1790

Frederick was an accomplished flute player, who practised assiduously even in times of battle and also composed music for the flute. He possessed several flutes of the type exhibited here, characteristic of the late baroque and early classical 1-key flute of the period 1700 – 1820. This is a high quality instrument for use by a gentleman rather than a professional musician, made of ebony with ivory ferrules for each of the joints, and a silver key. These instruments were forerunners of the type of instrument used in the modern orchestra.