These bars have been made from scrap silver during the flute(s) manufacturing process which has been melted down and drawn in to these bars by the flute maker. Using only a hammer he forges these bars on a block of lead held in a vice shaping them into (say) a G sharp key. The whole operation is done by hand and eye.
Waste not want not.
Photographed in the workshop of UK Flutemaker Ewen
McDougall of Ravensworth.
The above photograph and notes are as accurate as my knowledge of the subject permits
If anything above is factually incorrect, or if anyone can usefully improve or add to the above notes then please feel free to email me at john@fluteweb.net