Very old and unusual Armstrong flute

[czaucer]

I am a repairman who has been working on flutes for over 30 years and every once in a while I come across something I've never seen. Today I did an overhaul on one.

The serial number, stamped just below the head socket (and also on the bottom of the foot) is #15258. I looked up the serial number charts and the earliest listing is #18000 (1949). Also there are some unusual design features that I never see, particularly the trill key mechanism, which uses a small screw rather than pins.

The socket is nicely engraved: MADE BY/W.T/ARMSTRONG/CO./ELKHART-IND. The head joint is stamped 58 on the bottom by the socket. It is closed-hole and silver plate.

I'm not done with it, but gave it a test play and it has a surprisingly nice sound and intonation.

So anyone out there know about the early history of Armstrong or where I could find out?

Thanks

[pied_piper]

As best I can recall, W.T.Armstrong started making flutes in the early 1930's. Unfortunately, many manufacturers serial number records were either not kept or were lost from those earlier years. Most likely, I'd guess yours was made in the mid-40s.

Regarding the 58 on the headjoint, Armstrong often put the last 2 or 3 digits of the serial number on the headjoint simply as an indicator of which body the headjoint belonged with. In your case, the 58 matches the last 2 digits of the serial number of the body, so it simply means that is the headjoint that shipped from the factory with that body.

Regarding the screw in the trill keys, most likely some repair tech replaced the pin(s) with a screw. AFAIK, Armstrong never did that. Probably, the original pin was lost or the hole was too large for the pin to hold securely, so a tech improvised with a screw during a repair visit. For a proper repair, the tech could have used a broach and fitted a slightly larger pin, if necessary, instead of installing a screw.

[czaucer]

Thanks Pied Piper.

I was thinking that the numbers on the head joint matching the last numbers of the serial number was more than a coincidence. And it makes sense that records would be lost from the 40's, what with a war and all.

I'm not sure about the screw on the trill keys though. I agree that it is not the best way to fix a failed pin, but if some repair guy did this he was a master craftsman and had way too much time on his hands. To me it looks like an original part of the instrument.

I finished the overhaul today, and I really love the way this flute plays (which is partly why I took the time to research it). They just don't make 'em like this anymore. But I think it is probably going into the hands of a 5th grader. Oh well.

...And I do always worry when I see a screwdriver in a flute case.

[pied_piper]

Since you are interested in repairs, you might want to join the Musical Instrument Technician group on Yahoo Groups. That forum is run by Lars Kirmser and he worked for Armstrong Flutes for many years and has nearly 50 years experience as a repair tech. I consider him to be the best authority on Armstrong flutes from their earlier years. There's a good chance that he may have assembled the flute you are working on and could tell you with certainty whether Armstrong ever used screws on the trill keys.

http://launch.groups.yahoo.com/group/mu ... echnician/

[czaucer]

Thanks again. I will check out Mr. Kirmser's group.

And thank you for this forum.

The internet still amazes me! I asked a question in the right place, and now I have a link to one of the very few people on the planet who might be able to answer it.

[thwrex]

I saw an earlier post on this and wanted to see if others could help. Basics: Armstrong Flute. (appears hand engraved) No model number. Serial number #16112, with matching head end number (12).

Antique case. Amazing condition. Previous discussion on this thread says that a 16000 series flute might be in the late thirties or (barely) pre-WW2. Anyone have further data? (Pads show wear, corks are fine. It feels like it is 1/2 the weight of my nieces existing (student) flutes.

[mnbearguide]

I am a repairman who has been working on flutes for over 30 years and every once in a while I come across something I've never seen. Today I did an overhaul on one.

The serial number, stamped just below the head socket (and also on the bottom of the foot) is #15258. I looked up the serial number charts and the earliest listing is #18000 (1949). Also there are some unusual design features that I never see, particularly the trill key mechanism, which uses a small screw rather than pins.

The socket is nicely engraved: MADE BY/W.T/ARMSTRONG/CO./ELKHART-IND. The head joint is stamped 58 on the bottom by the socket. It is closed-hole and silver plate.

I'm not done with it, but gave it a test play and it has a surprisingly nice sound and intonation.

So anyone out there know about the early history of Armstrong or where I could find out?

Thanks

Did you ever find out more information about this flute? I tried going to the yahoo group link it didn't work. I just bought an old armstrong with the 51 on it but 17851 so it matches but i dont know how old it actually is.