1943 WM. S. HAYNES Co. STERLING SILVER FLUTE - SN 13808 - EXTREMELY RARE!!

Description

1943 WM. S. HAYNES Co. STERLING SILVER FLUTE - SN 13808 - EXTREMELY RARE!!.
Up for grabs is an extremely rare silver flute made by the WM. S. Haynes company in Boston, Massachusetts USA.
The flute is rare due to the fact that the serial number begins with “13” XXX. This flute is serial number 13808. This item is one of only 14 in existence - I have confirmed this with WM. S. Haynes co themselves. (They are still in business and can be reached easily by phone or email). They tell me that they have records of this flute and SN in their archives and it is indeed a rare piece.  You can also refer to their website which mentions these specific runs of flutes . It will give a little back ground but also underscore their rareness.  The company tells me a modern day equivalent to this flute is their "Handmade Custom" run of flute.
The item has not been tested or polished, but all pads and keys do appear to be nice and functioning.  I have tried to picture the worst of the ware.  Very minor ware on the item overall - - maybe some small scuffs and discoloration that will buff out in a pro level polish.
Haynes co. Tells me the 498 under the keys refers to the run number of the item. In other words this was the 498th item they made in 1943.
I think with a good polish and a small amount of service and adjustments the item would play and look beautiful.
The flute comes with everything pictured. Original hard shell case as well as the cleaning rod and outer soft case - a black leather material (pleather maybe).