Artley Symphony Sterling Silver Concert Flute with Original Case, c. 1950s–60s

A sterling silver transverse concert flute in C by Artley Inc. of Elkhart, Indiana, engraved "Artley Symphony" on the headjoint barrel and stamped STERLING on the body beneath the joint. Serial number 29241 places this instrument in Artley's late-1950s to early-1960s production window — the era when the Symphony represented Artley's highest-grade offering, bridging advanced student and semi-professional territory. The instrument is configured to Boehm-system fingering with closed-hole (plateau) keys, offset G, and French-pointed key arms: the standard American specification of the period. Full sterling construction throughout body, keys, and headjoint accounts for the instrument's 451.47g heft and the characteristic warmth that distinguished the Symphony from Artley's nickel-silver student lines.

The lot is complete: flute, original black leatherette hard case with intact blue velvet lining, original cleaning rod seated in the case channel, and the period Artley brass nameplate ("Elkhart, U.S.A.") affixed to the lid. Artley operated in Elkhart — the historic center of American band-instrument manufacturing — from the 1940s through the 1980s, and the Symphony line drew players who wanted domestic sterling construction at a price below Haynes or Powell. This example is mechanically complete and intact; pads and general servicing are needed before play, making it a clean candidate for a competent technician's bench.

CONDITION

Good with age-appropriate wear throughout. Sterling surfaces carry light scratches, surface tarnish, and one dent noted — polishing deferred to the buyer's preference. Pads are spent and general service is required before the instrument is playable; mechanism is otherwise complete with no missing hardware. Case shows light corner and edge wear; blue velvet lining remains soft and intact.

DIMENSIONS / SPECIFICATIONS

• Maker: Artley Inc., Elkhart, Indiana
• Model: Symphony
• Serial Number: 29241
• Key: C
• System: Boehm, closed-hole (plateau), offset G, French-pointed key arms
• Material: Sterling silver (stamped STERLING)
• Length: 26 1/4"
• Weight: 451.47 g
• Includes: Original black leatherette hard case with blue velvet lining, cleaning rod