Willis Cocus & Silver 8-Key no. 1644 br Clarke two of his daughters married

two of his daughters married leading instrument makers—John Firth and William Hall—cementing his connection to what would become the influential firms of Firth & Hall and later Firth

One-off soft whistle/flute roll from a private collection

in which case

How Generations should play

Solid low F with good power and moderate air requirements

Willis Cocus & Silver 8-Key no. 1644 br Clarke two of his daughters marriedAn 8 key flute in D by John Willis of London, crafted in cocus wood with silver fittings and keywork. Willis, working from Villiers Street in the Strand around 1820, produced flutes to an exceptional standardprecisely fitted keys, quality materials, and a level of finish that places them alongside the best English work of the era. This example bears the lyre mark and serial number typical of Willis instruments. From the personal collection of flute