860

Powell, V. Q.

Serial #3161

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Stamp: Engraved on all three joints: (in triangle) VQP / VERNE Q. POWELL / BOSTON. Additionally on barrel: 3161

Marks:

Manufacture Date: Made Sept. 3, 1969 by Bickford Brannen at Powell's (Powell Bible).

Hallmarks:

Comments: An absolutely beautiful flute.

Material: Silver, B foot, with gold lipplate. Tubes appear to be .016". Gold springs.

System: This is listed in Powell's record book as hand made, French model, low B, gold embouchure. In fact, it is Powell's copy of a Louis Lot flute from one of Lot's successors, possibly as late as Chambille. No gizmo, but low B is independent.

Condition: This flute is in absolutely perfect condition, with little sign of use and no sign of abuse.

Pitch: This flute appears to be made to play at A=440 with the headjoint out just a tad.

Sounding Length: Sounding length 636 mm.

Measurements:

Weight: 424 g.

Case: In a beautiful handmade wooden case with inlay, made by the original owner, Harold Jeter.

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860.full

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860.01

Flute 3161 was made at Powell's for Harold Jeter by Bickford Brannen in 1969. The flute is almost as new.

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860.02

The keys are curiously flat due to high outside edges; perhaps this was an attempt at stabilizing the pads? Apart from their shape, this mechanism is almost completely taken from, I believe, a Chambille Lot.

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860.03

The original owner, Harold Jeter, was especially well known for making beautiful wooden cases. His list of customers includes Rampal, Baker, and a host of other flute luminaries.

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860.04

This Powell lipplate is very beautiful, and cut quite like the Louis Lot lips. At 10.3 x 12.08 this is only slightly larger than Lot. The crown, on the other hand, is completely new (especially on the inside), and simply not as gorgeous as the Louis Lot crown!

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860.05

Again, Powell has copied a later Louis Lot. The Lot company started making thumb keys like this after players asked for the Bb trill, rather than trilling the thumb key, as originally designed.

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860.06

This flute is very precisely made and finely finished. The lines are all crisp and new, and care has been taken in the construction of the parts.

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860.07

The profile of the lipplate shown how closely it follows the contours of the body.

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860.08

The backclutch is designed with slight differences from Lot, including the straight sides. Makers have always had a chance for a bit of play with the shape of this clutch.