The flutes that went up for sale today as the second part of that bonanza didn’t garner much attention and prices seemed low. Maybe it’s the economy; maybe it’s the fear of tariffs bringing anything from the UK; maybe a lot of factors.
A couple of the flutes got as little as 500 BPS. I haven’t seen that in many years.
The boxwood flute did hold to 1600 BPS, which was the highest of the regular flutes for sale.
The big one was the very beautifully ornate Rudall, Rose & Carte flute that belonged to Hilary du Pre, of “Hilary and Jackie” movie fame. That hit 5,500 BPS, but from the photos I’ve seen of it, I can see why. Spectacular one-of-a-kind flute. One can only wonder if it plays, but the condition report noted it was crackless and in fine shape.
I don’t imagine we will see this many Rudalls to market at once for a very long time. As with this, it’ll likely be when a collector passes or liquidates.
I think the fact that so many flutes came up all at the same time really depressed the prices. Then add in the fact that shipping to the US is so messed up at the moment that some US bidders (perhaps with deep pockets) sat this one out. And it isn’t that long since the last Gardiner Houlgate auction that sold off the first batch from the same collection. And, as you said, the economy isn’t doing that great either. All in all, it isn’t too surprising that the prices on some of the flutes were relatively low.
The upside is that I anticipated this, gathered my resources, bid on several flutes, and came away with a few nice ones for less than I expected. Not the high-end ones you mentioned though.
I also know at least one other regular C&F member got a couple of nice Rudalls too, so at least some of those flutes are going to still be in the community, so to speak.
There was a nice looking Prowse Nicholson flute with an engraved lip plate that I bid on, and didn’t expect to get, but actually did get, much to my surprise. I’ve been wanting to get my hands on one of those for years.
Now I just need to find a safe and reliable way to get the flutes home. Then the repair and restoration work will begin, and hopefully I’ll be able to share anything interesting I discover.