A. Bonneville 3452

S745
A. Bonneville
#: 3452
Paris

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

Comments: There is something strangely attractive about this flute. Although a plated flute, it has the cool smoothness of a silver instrument; a sort of laid-back strength of character, made manifest by superb workmanship.This instrument plays immediately, and with the classic extra-richness for which Bonneville remains famous.

Date: Probably made c. 1909-1921 assuming 75-100 flutes per year production.

Material: Made of silver-plated metal. 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.

Hallmarks: None

Markings: None visible.

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. The embouchure is gorgeous. In excellent playing and performing condition, having been last repaired by Paul Rabinov.

Pitch: Pitched at A=440.

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

Measurements: Emb.. 10x12mm

Weight gram: 400g

Case: In old double case.

Restoration status: Fully restored and set up for playing.

Price: Sold.

This is a very lovely, silvery flute.