Description

Flute – NONON, Jacques

We’re back with an exquisite flute made by the famous Jacques NONON (1802-1877). This Nonon “flûte perfectionnée” with C-foot is truly a masterpiece, wouldn’t you agree? Crafted with great attention to detail, it is made from rich, deep-brown cocuswood. The silver keywork is strikingly elegant. Every part is original and stamped with its maker’s mark. It features a silver lip-plate which is nicely inlaid and also original to the instrument.

Its embouchure measures 10.7 x 11.9 mm. This particular flute perfectionnée has 12 keys and C-foot. We can see that it has the new F-sharp key, mounted on the main axis – part of Nonon’s 1854 patent. The entire instrument is in fact unchanged and perfect in every respect. Its pitch is around a=444 Hz.

In terms of condition, we can see that this flute was much-loved and played a great deal. Toneholes 1, 4, 5 & 6 are slightly rounded by use. There is a filled and repaired crack in the head joint. There are also two hairline cracks at the top of the C-foot. It would need an overhaul to be played professionally again.

Its original case has been lost to time and it found a new home inside a Rudall Carte & Co case.

Our opinion
If you’re looking to own a beautifully made instrument by one of France’s most illustrious makers, then this is a fantastic opportunity. Nonon flutes are rare, especially those which are stamped and in good condition.