The history of the Noblet family is quite intricate. The business was started by Clair in 1728, who married the widow of Francois Lot III, grandfather of Louis Lot. His son, Nicolas Denis (1797-1874), is believed to be the maker of this flute, marked "Noblet Jeune, pere et fils". Based on its characteristics, this flute could be dated around 1840. It is clearly an interesting instrument in need of restoration. The flute is made of very fine-grained boxwood and is marked "Noblet Jeune, pere et fils" in five places. All the keys are present and working; the headjoint is stuck in the tuning piece, which has a visible crack that has broken the black ring. The black ring between the tuning piece and the head joint is also broken (these black rings are extremely thin). There is no other damage to report. Overall lenghth 610 mm, sounding lenghth 530 mm, weight 208 g. Pleas ask for any info.