In 1897, Harry began working for a fellow expatriate by the name of William H CUNDY (1868-1914) and they would set up the Cundy Bettoney Company. In addition to importing instruments, they manufactured flutes, saxophones and clarinets, eventually employing between 130 and 150 people. When Cundy retired, Harry Bettoney took over the company. Among their products were the ‘Bettoney Boehm flute’ or the ‘Silva-Bet’ metal clarinet. They also produced the material ‘Bettonite’, which was a type of ebonite for making instruments. The company was eventually sold in 1960.

Here we have a sterling silver flute, although the head joint is possibly not sterling silver. It has drawn tone holes. The springs are gold and the flute plays at a pitch of a=450 Hz. The flute was altered to have an open G-sharp key . The thumb lever for B-flat was also changed. These changes can of course be reversed by its new owner. 

Overall, this flute is in good condition and is playable. It has a very bright and shiny sound. It’s a typical instrument from the USA in the mid-forties. A nice item for any American flute collection.

show less