S744
A. Bonneville
#: 2158
Paris
Stamp: Engraved on head and body: (monogram) AB/ATE/BONNEVILLE/(Gothic)Paris/ (additionally on body) 2158.
Comments: This is a strong and powerful flute, yet the tone is immediately striking in its richness and depth. There is nothing shallow, or piercing, or barely even metallic in the sound. This flute is a long way away from the purity of tone that Lot sought, yet not "over the hill" in the way that aficionados of old flutes consider the "modern" instrument. Rather, this flute captures the perfect median between the intensely personal flute tone of the 19th century and the often strangely impersonal wall of volume possible with instruments today.
Date: Probably made 1896-1903, assuming 75-100 flutes per year.
Material: Made of silver-plated metal. Springs of steel, pads of foam.
Hallmarks: None.
Markings: None visible.
System: Naturally, this flute is a child of the flutes of Lot and Godfroy. She shows the advances of time in the Bb trill, the split strap, and "hanging T" clutch for the right hand. The footjoint remains true to Lot (Godfroy), save for Bonneville's unique flattening of the top of the teardrop D# touch (the G# touch as well).
Condition: The condition of this instrument is excellent, notwithstanding some wear from considerable, yet very careful, use. For example, a previous owner wiped his embouchure with a cloth so many times the plating is worn from the high edges, and the top of the chimney. I doubt that this affects playability at all, and is actually quite handsome. Furthermore, one can see that the chimney is unaltered. Some solder and scraping at the flange suggest the lipplate may have been resoldered, but if so it was a good job. Other apparently recent scrape marks are on the G hole key, almost as if an overzealous cleaner was let loose with a sharp object for a few seconds. There is some wear on the plating where it should be, namely on the key tops and thumb key,
Pitch: A=440, possibly a half a tad higher.
Sounding length: Sounding length 601 mm. Body scale length 226 mm. Scale to C# 232 mm.
Measurements: Emb. 10x 12 mm.
Weight gram: 373 g. (13 1/8 oz).
Case: In modern case.
Restoration status: Fully restored elsewhere, with foam pads.
Price: Sold.
The beautiful engraving is badly served by this fuzzy picture.
The thumb and trill keys, showing a split rib, and no B trill connection.
The right-hand mechanism, with added corks!
Please click on calling card to return Home.
One can see the tip edge of the chimney; after years of careful wiping the plating has worn off.
A close-up of the embouchure.
Bonneville flattened the top of his touches.
Bonneville was a jeweler, and made beautiful crowns.
The heart of the flute.
The back clutch is the first place to see if wear from buffing exists. This one is very clean.
