Solid silver flute from the Verne Q. Powell workshop, “Handmade Custom”, serial number 3680 (1972), soldered tone-holes, in-line G, B foot.

It’s a good example of a Powell “Handmade Custom” from the pre-Wasser years…when the workshop was owned by Ed Almeida, Ed Machon, Dick Jerome and Elmer Waterhouse.

In the pre-Wasser era, 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.

Powell’s workshop in Boston still produce this model, the workmanship standards arguably a bit lower than that of half a century ago.

Powell’s records confirm that #3680 was constructed as a “Powell traditional scale” model with B foot, soldered tone-holes, .014 tube (body and head).

Sounding length is 636 mm (A : 440) and the embouchure i 10.0 X 12.1 mm. The flute weighs 417 grams.

The flute plays very well, is unique and quite different from a modern Powell, a true work of art.

This superb example : $6850.