Luvoni was famous for his high-quality craftsmanship. On his death, his foreman, Primo Egidio FORNI (1812-1866) was in charge of the business. Agostino RAMPONE (1843-1897) went to work for Primo Egidio Forni, who it turns out was his uncle. When Primo Egidio Forni died in 1866, Agostino Rampone took over.

This ebony flute was probably made around 1830. It has the same maker’s stamp on all parts, although the little faun is missing on the foot joint. [We guess he just ran out of space 😊.] The flute has ten nickel silver keys and its original pewter plugs. This three-part instrument has a tuning slide in the head joint and an unused nameplate – waiting for its new owner’s name.

It has the typical features of a Viennese flute made by Stefan KOCH (1772-1828) and others. The model was so popular that it was copied by many makers. So, in other words, this flute has a B-foot joint, G-sharp key on the middle joint, lined head joint with tuning slide, square embouchure and the sixth fingerhole drilled at a slant.

The flute is in playing condition as it was restored by its previous owner. The restoration work included gluing and filling cracks in the head joint and barrel, reconstructing the block for the B-key lever and long F-key, repairing the G-sharp key’s wooden block and adding new corks.

So, this instrument is in full playing condition – even the pewter plugs work well!!!

The tuning slide functions really well too and if we pull it out 6mm to the second ring, it plays around a=440 Hz. The keys feel lovely and have a nice, precise touch. The overall sound is colourful, flexible and powerful with super projection.

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