Western Europe, France, Paris, ca. early to mid-20th century CE. This is a fine antique wood and nickel-silver low pitch flute that is made by the French maker Martin Freres that has been converted into a fencing foil sheath! The segments are each stamped with the maker emblem and the "JEAN MARTIN / PARIS" within an oval in tribute to founder Jean Baptiste Martin, and the nickel-silver keys and mouthpiece are intact, but at some point someone realized that this hollow, tubular instrument was the perfect case for a fencing blade and added a threaded fitting to the foot joint and permanently sealed the head and middle joints together to create a sheath. A final wood segment - that nearly perfectly matches the flute's wood graining - forms the handle for a Prieur made #5 (adult sized) fencing blade - which screws securely into the flute! This is a highly unusual combination of vintage instrument and weapon- ideal for concealed protection, especially for those that engage in the highly dangerous lifestyles of orchestra musicians. Size: 36.75" L x 1.25" W (93.3 cm x 3.2 cm)

Provenance: ex-Stein collection, Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, USA, acquired prior to 2010

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#168948

Flute has been converted into sword sheath, and the joints do not come apart. Losses to keypads on some nickel-silver keys, but most are intact. A custom wood handle attaches to foot joint. Adhesive residue on blade from securing to handle. Flute has not been tested for playing functionality. Blade is clearly marked with some minor rubbing, and flute marks are clear as well.