Verne Q. Powell 1928 Brochure

Since 1928, flutists around the world have enjoyed playing Powell flutes.  Throughout the years, we've seen different models, and today there are so many choices for options and materials.  The three Powell models currently produced are the Signature, Handmade Conservatory, and Handmade Custom.  If you've ever wondered about the earliest Powell flute models, we've uncovered the very first Verne Q. Powell Flutes brochure from 1928.  During that time, two models were offered: the Hand Made and Commercially Made.  The major difference between the two was that the Hand Made had soldered tone holes, and the Commercially Made had drawn tone holes.

Prices today vary due to the changing costs of precious metals -- and they certainly are different from the 1920s!  So, just how much would a Powell go for in 1928?  It may be a bit difficult to tell from the scanned photo of the price listing in the 1928 catalog, but the prices were as follows:

Silver Flutes
No. 1 – Hand-made, French model (open keys),

either closed or open G#, A440…$250                       

No. 1A – Hand-made, American model (covered keys),

either closed or open G#, A440…$250         

No. 2 – Commercially made, French model,

either closed or open G#, A440…$200        

No. 2A – Commercially made, American model,

either closed or open G#, A440…$185         

Flutes made to low B (optional)…extra $25

C# trill………………………….......extra $18

Flutes made with 18 karat gold embouchure (optional)…extra $25

Gold Flutes
Hand-made, French model (open keys), either closed or open G#,
14 karat gold throughout……………...............$900

Hand-made, American model (covered keys), either closed or open G#, 14 karat gold throughout……………$900

Although the prices seem considerably lower than today, we realize that those amounts were of a much different value than they are in 2013, so it all pretty much balances out!  Of course, without question, they were (and still are) as the brochure says, "a work of art...as mechanically perfect as it is possible to produce."

Cover of the 1928 brochure

Listing of models on the right column

Photos and prices