Wm. S. Haynes solid
silver flute number 8,694 ( 1925 ).
French keywork to low C, in-line G, extruded
tone-holes,
flat pad cups.
Constructed
with .018 silver tube, French (open) keys, inline G and C foot
Sounding
length is 601 mm (A=440), the embouchure measures 10.1 X 12.0, giving
the instrument a wonderful tone-color.
Total
weight is 423 grams. All pads and corks are new or close to it. The
1920's case is original.
Verne
Powell was vice-president of the W.S. Haynes firm from 1926 and
flutes from that early "Boston Golden Age" have a voice
that is unique...full, dark, and wonderful. We’ve been told
that Powell cut the embouchures and did the engraving on all flutes
from the early to mid 1920’s.
The 1923 Haynes catalog
notes that there had been recent interest in French models and so, in
October of that year was born the first “French”. One
flute was made in 1923 and 29 the next year, 31 examples were
produced in 1925.
We note that #9369 has
been played very little since new: keywork is still tight, the
engraving to the body and head is still sharp. You’re seeing
“works in progress” photos, with a light polish and full
re-pad / re-cork scheduled for February, 2025.
The instrument is not for
every flutist, of course. But we quite like the way it performs and
feels. It's a totally comfortable and beautiful lady in whom we have
no hesitation in giving our full recommendation.
$3650.