Powell
s/n 44
A Rare Two-Digit Old Powell
Verne Q. Powell flute #44,
made in September, 1928. Solid silver, Commercial French model, perforated
lipplate, inline G, C-foot, Bb shake, drawn tone holes, gold springs, 0.016”
tubing, felt pads, traditional scale.
The roster of Powell’s first
100 customers is filled with names of important flutists and flute royalties
such as William Kincaid, John Wummer, Arthur Lora and so many others. It was
the beginning of a new era when American made French flutes took the spotlight
from the many aging and defunct French families of once celebrated flutemakers.
The champion for Verne Q. Powell was William Kincaid, student of Georges
Barrère. Kincaid’s students and grand-students, in turn, occupied an
exceptionally high number of orchestral chairs in the United States during
Powell’s life time; most of them played Powell flutes. Verne Q. Powell’s early
success could be attributed to his 13-year tenure at Haynes. He was a man of 40
when he left Haynes to start his own tiny workshop across the street from the
New England Conservatory, a block from Symphony Hall.
Powell #44 was made during
Powell’s 2nd year in business as no Commercial model flutes were produced in
his first year. This is likely because the drawn tone hole tooling was still in
preparation. #44 was the 8th Commercial model flute Powell made and the 4th to
feature open holes. These two-digit Powell flutes are very special and their
serendipity occupied a unique space in flute history.
Our flute here is in good
condition, it has not been played for a while - the pads cover adequately for
casual playing, good mechanics, some tarnish, no dents. An overhaul is
recommended for serious performance. The headjoint guard ring was relocated to
the top of the barrel. But the headjoint has not been shortened. In its current
condition, Powell #44 produces a clear and vibrant tone. It has all the
characteristics one would expect in a vintage 2-digit Powell. Verne Q. Powell
himself admitted these early flutes were his own interpretation of Louis Lot at
modern pitch with a sweet round tone, balanced registers, and elegant refined
reliable mechanism. The perforated lipplate treatment is uniquely Powell. He
has also used the same design during his employment at Haynes. The flute comes
in a modern French case in good condition.
Maker’s mark on body and headjoint, serial number on body only.
The embouchure hole measures 10.6 x 12.0 mm.
Sounding length is 600 mm.
Headjoint length is 8-7/8”.
The flute weighs 406 grams.
Please see detailed photos below.
Price is $4,900 USD, $100 shipping within USA.
Home /
For more information please email Alan Weiss at alan@vintagefluteshop.com