B. Vincent Lunn Concert Flute, Silver-Plated or Solid Silver Boehm System
Musical Instrument (Woodwind / Flute) · B. Vincent Lunn (London). A specialized British flute maker active in the mid-20th century, known for hand-finished professional and intermediate level instruments.
Pattern: Boehm System, Closed-Hole (Plateau) Keywork with C-Footjoint
Type
Musical Instrument (Woodwind / Flute)
Maker
B. Vincent Lunn (London). A specialized British flute maker active in the mid-20th century, known for hand-finished professional and intermediate level instruments.
Material
Likely high-grade Silver Plate (EPNS) over nickel silver or Solid Sterling Silver (.925) tube and keys; includes steel springs and felt/leather pads.
Dimensions
Standard C-flute length (approx. 26.5 inches assembled); weighs approximately 400-500 grams depending on wall thickness and silver content.
Description
An elegant British-made concert flute featuring the Boehm fingering system. This instrument consists of three sections—headjoint, body, and footjoint—housed in its original velvet-lined hard case. The silver surface provides the bright, resonant tonal quality prized by classical musicians.
Key Features
Offset G key for ergonomic comfort, closed-hole keys suitable for younger or smaller hands, and the distinct 'B. Vincent Lunn' branding which denotes a vintage British provenance.
Material & Composition
Likely high-grade Silver Plate (EPNS) over nickel silver or Solid Sterling Silver (.925) tube and keys; includes steel springs and felt/leather pads.
Finish & Decoration
High-polish mirror finish typical of orchestral instruments; minimal decoration limited to engraved maker's mark and serial number on the headjoint and body barrel.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Stamped 'B. Vincent Lunn, London' on the headjoint and main body; may include a serial number and 'Sterling' if solid silver, or no purity mark if plated.
Construction Details
Hand-assembled with drawn tone holes or soldered chimneys; features a rod-and-axle key mechanism with heat-seated pads and adjustment screws.
Functional Features
Closed-hole G key (offset), C-footjoint, Y-arm key cups, and a standard parabolic headjoint taper for concert pitch (A=440Hz).
Handle & Grip Details
Ribbed construction for the keywork mounting; keys are ergonomically shaped for the fingers with no separate 'grips'.
Craftsmanship Details
Features fine mechanical tolerances and hand-soldered components that exceed the quality of modern mass-produced student instruments.
Authentication Indicators
Original maker's label inside the case lid matching the engraving on the metal; consistent wear on the finger keys suggesting authentic use.
Origin & Manufacturing
London, England. Produced during a period when London was a premier hub for high-quality woodwind manufacturing (e.g., Rudall Carte era).
Era & Period
Mid-20th Century (approx. 1940-1970); standard Modern Boehm era following the design refinements of the early 1900s.
Age Estimate
Circa 1950-1965 based on the style of the case, the 'B. Vincent Lunn' label, and the mechanical design.
Cultural Significance
Represents the post-war era of orchestral music in Britain and the accessibility of quality silver-finished instruments for professional and amateur musicians alike.
Condition Notes
Good overall condition; visible light tarnish typical of age; pads likely require replacement ('re-padding') if they have dried out; no major dents visible in the tubing.
Value Estimate
$300 - $800 USD (higher if solid silver and fully restored; lower if silver-plated and needing a full overhaul).
Care & Maintenance
Polish with a silver cloth only; avoid liquid polish near the pads. Store in the case with anti-tarnish strips. Annual 'COA' (Clean, Oil, Adjust) by a technician recommended.
Similar Pieces
Rudall Carte flutes (higher end), Armstrong or Bundy (American alternatives), and contemporary Yamaha silver flutes.
Interesting Facts
B. Vincent Lunn instruments are often associated with the high-quality craftsmanship of the London flute-making tradition, though less common than brands like Haynes or Powell.