The flute exhibits a high level of craftsmanship, featuring beautifully made nickel silver rings. The tenon sockets are also inlaid with nickel silver. The tuning slide works effortlessly to precision. All the wooden mounting blocks for the keys are inlaid with metal to provide a precise feeling. The keys were specially designed and crafted to easily fit to the fingers. It’s clear that Stengel wanted this instrument to be truly lovely to play. The F-key has rollers. This is a typical feature of Stengel’s Romantic flutes – it makes it easy for the right fourth or ring finger to slide on that key. The C-sharp and C-lever are also equipped with rollers. Even the pewter plugs actually work. 😊

The case is beautifully made for the flute and is a perfect fit. The lock and key function correctly together.

If that wasn’t all, this Stengel flute is in playing condition. It plays at the pitch of a=440 Hz with the tuning slide pulled out by 2.5 mm. This setting is the first ring of four on the tuning slide. When the tuning slide is set to the third position at 7.5 mm, the flute plays at a=435 Hz. The high register plays very easily. The flute is flexible to play and will delight its new owner with its very powerful sound.

This instrument was previously restored and more recently, some fine hairline cracks were repaired by a master flute maker. These tiny cracks were located in places where the nickel silver inlay was inserted into the wood – all three tenon sockets.

This lovely instrument is perfect for playing Romantic repertoire and orchestral use.

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