Armstrong Gold Plated 180 B?

[czaucer]

Has anyone ever heard of an Armstrong 180 B? I couldn't find anything about it via Google. The serial number is 2-8571, which I think puts it at 1972 vintage. It has open holes, a B foot, and is marked "Sterling head and body only" as usual for an Armstrong of that era. And the whole thing is gold plated! I've been working on flutes for over 40 years and never seen one like it.

So I would like to know if anyone knows anything about model 180B, or Armstrong ever gold plating a solid silver flute.

I just bought this flute on eBay with the intention of fixing it up and selling it. The seller did not mention that it was solid silver in his description, nor that it was gold plated. Looks like he mostly sells tools. So I doubt he will be much help.

Thanks

[pied_piper]

As far as I know, there is no such thing as an Armstrong 180 B. I looked it up on eBay and it looks like a standard sterling silver Armstrong Model 80 B that has been plated or colored gold (probably done aftermarket rather than at the factory) For the price you paid, if it is in good playing condition, you got a good deal. The Model 80 frequently sells on eBay for at least double what you paid. I played an Armstrong Model 80 before I upgraded to a professional flute. It served me well for many years and I still have it. The Model 80 is a decent intermediate level flute that is well-built.

[czaucer]

Thanks for your response, and yes, it is basically a model 80. As far as I knew there was no such thing as a Model 180 either, but apparently there is. I've got one, and it is clearly marked. So still a mystery. Also, it is definitely gold plate. I suppose it could have been done after market--it does seem weird that Armstrong would gold plate a silver flute. Very nice job for an after market thing. I really like these old Armstrongs too, and they are a pleasure to work on. Thanks again.

[Patty m]

Yes, the 180B is an actual model from Armstrong. It is gold plated. I bought one brand new in June 1972 from TE Castrodale’s in Pittsburgh,PA. Still have it & play it today. It was actually on their brochure in 1972, which I may still have with my original receipt!

[Kimkh]

Would you be willing to share copies of the brochure you have with the 1972 Armstrong 180? Thank you

[GHypes]

I also have an Armstrong 180 B gold plated silver flute. It is also from 1972. It is a great playing flute.

[Patty m]

Brochure and Price list from 1972 is scanned into my computer now, but for some reason, I am unable to load a copy onto this board.
If you would like a copy of the brochure, please email me at pmccauley1@ymail.com and I will be happy to send you a copy via email.
Thanks.

I believe the list shows the gold plated open holed model as #190, but I will double check on my flute model number as it is a #180.
I remember paying $404.50 for it in June/July of 1972. I still have it and play it to this day. Just had its first overhaul done 3-4 years ago. Plays better than when new.

Patty M