I have just acquired an older Selmer flute to complete my fun collection of "affordable Haynes/Powell clones." (Since the real things, other than my prized 1920 Haynes commercial model, are out of reach financially). The Selmer now joins my Artley Wilkins and Armstrong Heritage (Jack Moore era).
Well, at least I THINK the Selmer's that company's 1940's attempt to compete with the premier American makers at the time. Here the description:
solid coin silver
.018" wall (I'm guessing)
inline G
open holes
C-foot
Y-cups
serial # 05548
marked on barrel "Selmer USA"
Does ANYONE have a clue as to the date or at least era of this flute's manufacture?
Incidentally, the Selmer plays nicely with a dark, "woody" tone as befits its .018" wall. The pads are old but still serviceable and, unlike many horns, sounds the low C extremely easily. I am actually very pleased with its performance.
Overall, I think the Armstrong Heritage is the best of the three "clones", but none have the sweetness of tone of the ancient Haynes. The Haynes, however, is tuned to A435 and is, therefore, impossible to play in ensemble. Too bad!
Selmer flute age?
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