1977 Artley Open Hole

[lysalawless]

I have a 1977 Artley open-hole flute my parent gave me in 1978. it has been in the case for over 30 years, with a few visits on the outside over the years, just for old time's sake. I have been looking on the web all day to see if there are any collectors, before I call the local high schools and let it be distroyed by a child (no offense children). It is sad to find how devalued a product that served young players so well for so long has become. I wish I still had my sterling silver Artley from Jr. High, but that was lost (by my best friend) years ago.

This flute is in really good condition. Lord knows I never practiced and it's been in a protective case since 1979. Does anyone know where I may find someone who collects them and may wish to buy one?

[pied_piper]

Does it have a model number near the Artley name?
Does it list the place of manufacture? ( Elkhart or Nogales)?
C foot or B foot?

[lysalawless]

I know it is a C, open hole Nogalez and I won't be able to check the number until late tonight, but I looked up the number and it verified 1977 manufacture and I received it that year for Christmas, so started playing it in 1978. I will respond with the rest of the information tomorrow am. Like a nice chunk of the US I was downsized and am back in school studying for mid-terms:) I will also take a few pictures as well. I assume I can add a photo to my user id.
Thank you for your response.
LL

[lysalawless]

Artley # 504269 Nogales w/ a 15-0 under Nogales

[pied_piper]

The Nogales marking indicates that it was made during the period of time when Artley quality was suspect. That doesn't mean that you've got a bad flute, but some made there were OK and others were not so great because the quality control was less than it had been in Elkhart. It's that uncertainty that makes them less desireable. If it hasn't been played regularly since 1979 and kept up with regular maintenance and adjustments, it will likely need a little work to put it in good playing condition.

[lysalawless]

good to know. thank you.

[Govrogang]

lysalawless...do you or did you live in Alaska? If so, plz email me at govrogang@yahoo.com. Just want to make sure you're not the friend whose flute I have.

[Silversorcerer]

I see these Artleys on e-bay quite often. While it is true that Nogales is a strike against it, if it is in good condition and the photos you post show it clear and sharp, then you will get the best price that these will bring, Nogales notwithstanding. If it is play tested and working well, then it will go for more. Open hole is desirable and sometimes the Artley perma-pads last from even the mid 1960's. I have an open hole 1962 Elkhart model Artley that has a silver head. The plating on a few keys is worn so bad that the brass underneath is rough and pitted and it is missing the crown. But the pads still work and seal and it plays great. Still very tight key action, and all original corks. It is a very well made instrument that has survived what must have been decades of intermediate student use. It's a wonderful flute for taking to places where an instrument might get a scratch or two.

Test yours for playability and give it an honest description and most importantly take very sharp and clear photos. Don't skimp on the photos because those are what sell the item. Best to take these outside unless you really know how to make good photos indoors. Also list it for ten days ending on a weekend afternoon. That way more people will see it and be there for the end of an auction. Research what these sell for first and start the minimum bid accordingly, so that people will bid. If the minimum is way over the usual price for these then people will not bid. There are people that buy these every day. Prices you can expect go from $25 to $100 depending on condition. An open hole model will probably not be selected by a beginner. That will go to someone who wants a little more intermediate model.