Artley flute pre-1965 unique name engraved on head

[Pitufo]

I have an Artley flute that my father purchased for me about 1965-66. It is used, sterling. I am having trouble finding any other Artley with a similar serial number and the way the Artley name is engraved on the head. It is in handwriting script vs the block lettering found on anything and everything else Artley. Manufactured in Elkhart, Ind.

Serial number is 2081, which is located on the head and middle section. No other numbers appear on the flute in any of the sections. I am unable to find any other reference to serial numbers with four digits.

I don't know how to post a photo on this site. I am going crazy because I have been trying for a few years to find anything that can link my serial number to a year. Also very curious why the Artley name is engraved in a handwriting script vs the block letters that appear to be the Artley logo.

Any help is much appreciated!

[Silversorcerer]

This old thread probably covers it among the many models discussed:
http://www.fluteland.com/board/viewtopic.php?f=9&t=3993
It sounds like you might have a Wilkins model, but that should be clearly indicated where the Artley name is as this is the highest end vintage Artley flute model. It was built as a professional model if it is one of those. They were silver throughout.

I have a Symphony model with 4 digits, but it is the standard engraving type. Sometimes serials are on the ribs. The Wilkins models may have had their own serial series. Was your flute new in 1965?

[Silversorcerer]

Also you can post a link to a photo simply by copying the photo location (URL) and pasting it between the Img tags. Just select the Img block above and paste the code between the tags.

[JButky]

I have an Artley flute that my father purchased for me about 1965-66. It is used, sterling. I am having trouble finding any other Artley with a similar serial number and the way the Artley name is engraved on the head. It is in handwriting script vs the block lettering found on anything and everything else Artley. Manufactured in Elkhart, Ind.

Serial number is 2081, which is located on the head and middle section. No other numbers appear on the flute in any of the sections. I am unable to find any other reference to serial numbers with four digits.

I don't know how to post a photo on this site. I am going crazy because I have been trying for a few years to find anything that can link my serial number to a year. Also very curious why the Artley name is engraved in a handwriting script vs the block letters that appear to be the Artley logo.

Any help is much appreciated!

It's possible that one of the serial # digits has worn off. The only 4 digit serial #'s were Bass flutes. Hopefully the last digit is worn on the right side.
Here's the serial # list from the source:

http://www.conn-selmer.com/en-us/about/ ... rs/artley/

Lars also has info regarding Don Artley and his company actually underway by 1948. Scroll down and you can read about it here:
http://www.musictrader.com/artley.html

[Silversorcerer]

I have an Artley flute that my father purchased for me about 1965-66. It is used, sterling. I am having trouble finding any other Artley with a similar serial number and the way the Artley name is engraved on the head. It is in handwriting script vs the block lettering found on anything and everything else Artley. Manufactured in Elkhart, Ind.

Serial number is 2081, which is located on the head and middle section. No other numbers appear on the flute in any of the sections. I am unable to find any other reference to serial numbers with four digits.

I don't know how to post a photo on this site. I am going crazy because I have been trying for a few years to find anything that can link my serial number to a year. Also very curious why the Artley name is engraved in a handwriting script vs the block letters that appear to be the Artley logo.

Any help is much appreciated!

It's possible that one of the serial # digits has worn off. The only 4 digit serial #'s were Bass flutes. Hopefully the last digit is worn on the right side.
Here's the serial # list from the source:

http://www.conn-selmer.com/en-us/about/ ... rs/artley/

Lars also has info regarding Don Artley and his company actually underway by 1948. Scroll down and you can read about it here:
http://www.musictrader.com/artley.html

The Symphony model I have is a standard plateau offset C-foot model, not a bass flute, and all three pieces are quite deeply embossed with the same 4 digits, # 3332. This Artley Symphony is in immaculate condition and plays very well;- it is a plated flute and has not been over-polished, the plating looks brand new as do the engraved areas. It has a very old school curvy lip plate and a teardrop C key;- both features more common to older flutes, and the small wooden french style case and brass logo all point to very early production.

The Artley company was in business before 1952, formed sometime in the 30s, so there were flutes that predated 1952 and preceded serial #10000, not only as evidenced by at least one known flute, but also as indicated by this source and others where I have seen essentially the same story. Also you can see some details about the formation of the business in these videos:
http://www.namm.org/library/oral-history/vivian-artley