Can anybody tell me about these two Armstrong 104 models?

[pennyco]

I'm trying to decide between two Armstrong 104 flutes and don't know much about them. Both play well enough (I'm actually a sax player by trade).

One has SN# 27 25683
One has SN# 8037678

From what I've read, the #27 was manufactured in 1977 (50 +27), but that's all I know. I've seen quite a few mentions of an Armstrong "80 series" but is that what the SN # 80... is? Also wondering if these are nickel or silver. They both look like nickel to me, but they're a shade off from each other.

Any thoughts, anyone?

Thanks!

Dan

[JButky]

The Armstrong Model 104 is an all plated student flute. The serial number beginning with 80 is just an older lot.