950

Stamp: Engraved on head and body: (monogram) AB/ATE/BONNEVILLE/(Gothic)Paris/ (additionally on body) 3452

Marks: None visible.

Manufacture Date: Probably made c. 1910 assuming 100 flutes per year production.

Hallmarks: None

Comments: There is something strangely attractive about this flute, which last passed through here as our #745. Although a plated flute, it has the cool smoothness of a silver instrument; a strength of character, made manifest by superb workmanship. This instrument plays immediately, and with the classic extra-richness for which Bonneville remains famous. The volume is surprisingly strong. The tuning is impeccable; my flute teacher thinks it is the best of the flutes I have played for her!

Material: Made of silver-plated metal. Pad washers all original and of Maillechort. Springs blue steel. This is one of the treasures from Bonneville's shop that look and feel like silver, but actually mask a vermeil interior, seemingly replete with the tone and volume characteristics of all materials wrapped into one.

System: Almost all Bonneville flutes follow what I like to think of as the Louis Lot system. This flute is the equivalent of Lot's model 7; plated, with C foot. This is a very nicely made flute, of extra quality. There is one tiny adjustment screw in the hanging T right hand clutch. The strap is of one piece, including the trill keys. This practice stopped at Lot's in 1876, and was not used in many earlier Bonnevilles, although Rive flutes were made this way, and of course the original Louis Lot instruments.

Condition: This is truly a sweet flute. Any repairs she has had have been perfect, including the possibility that the headjoint has been shortened a few millimeters, which may or may not have happened. The embouchure is gorgeous. In excellent playing and performing condition, having been last repaired by Paul Rabinov.

Pitch: Plays at A=440.

Sounding Length: Sounding length 601 mm. Scale 227 mm. Emb. to C# 233 mm.

Measurements:

Weight: 400g

Case: In old double case.