Buffet-Crampon
s/n 800
A Time Capsule
Buffet-Crampon Flute serial
#800, probably made in the 1890's. Unplated Maillechort, handmade, soldered
tone holes, one-piece rib, open hole, pointed arms, no adjustment screws,
inline G, Bb shake, tear drop D#, C-foot, .013” seamed tube, blue steel springs, original pad
retainers, felt pads.
Buffet-Crampon’s early
records have been lost, making it challenging to determine accurate dates for
their flutes, especially those lacking serial numbers. In 1885, Buffet started
assigning serial numbers to their clarinets and oboes. Presuming that flutes
were numbered concurrently, our flute, #800, would likely have been produced
before the 20th century. The seamed tube construction of the flute further
supports this hypothesis. It is also plausible that this particular flute could
have been manufactured even earlier if the flute serial number system began
before 1885.
The workmanship of
Buffet-Crampon #800 is exquisite, rivaling the work of Louis Lot and Godfroy flutes.
Overhauled by David Chu, it is in excellent playing condition. This flute is a
time capsule example from the Buffet-Crampon workshop, everything remaining
original. It looks and feels like a brand new instrument. The superlight, hard
tubing produces a vibrant sound across all registers, facilitates fast
articulations in the French tradition, and delivers a wide range of tone
colors. It comes in a generic case in poor condition.
Maker's marks on headjoint,
body and footjoint. Serial number on body only. Engraving is very crisp.
MARK: (lyre)/BUFFET/Crampon
& Cie (cursive)/ À PARIS (in oval Cartouche)/BC
(monogram)/BREVETÉ/S.D.G.D/800
The embouchure hole measures 10.36 x 11.81 mm.
Sounding length is 605 mm.
Headjoint length is 9”.
The flute weighs 353 grams.
Please see detailed photos below.
Price is $1,800 USD, $55 shipping within USA.
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For more information please email Alan Weiss at alan@vintagefluteshop.com