Solid silver flute from the Verne Q. Powell workshop, French mechanism (open keys) offset G, C foot, number 1065 (1951).

In the early years, when Verne Powell the owner of the shop, only two models were produced: the “Handmade” and the so-called “Commercial”, the former based on the classic French instruments of the previous century and the latter loosely patterned after the work of Theobald Boehm.

“Handmade Custom” models (as they are called today) were considered “top of the line”, with soldered tone-holes, key arms extended over the pad-cups and without stack-key adjustment screws. The Commercials were built with flat pad-cups and the tone-holes were always extruded from the body tube.

Powell’s records confirm that #1065 was constructed with C foot, extruded tone-holes, .018 tube (body and head). I've measured the head again, find it to be of .016 silver.

The original case is in sound condition, some scuff marks.

Sounding length is 600 mm (A : 440) and the embouchure is 10.3 X 12.1 mm. The flute weighs 431 grams.

A Powell employee of the 1950's has informed me the shop employed only three persons, plus Verne himself, in 1951.

110 Flutes were produced, the first year production exceeded one-hundred.

This instrument is also unique in that we have full history of the instrument from the day it left the factory. Our shop sold the instrument to the most-recent owner, in April, 2000. We're pleased to once again have it in our collection.

Playing characteristics, “sound” are very similar to a “Handmade Custom” of the same time-period, with perhaps just a little more mellow lower register. But don’t think of this beautiful lady as being inferior to a HM Custom. The workmanship is top-notch and the keywork is smooth and friendly.

100% Made in America! This superb example : $4850