L. L. Lebret DEPOSE Engraved Lip Soldered - Overhauled

L. L. Lebret DEPOSE Engraved Lip Plate Flute
Serial # 4029; Paris; Manufactured around 1922 (Taisho 11)
Silver plated French silver body and mechanism, soldered tone holes
Overall length 675mm, weight 394g
Overhauled

Body tube engraving: L.L.Lebret Paris 4029 DEPOSE

This flute has been overhauled and is ready to play immediately.
The keys are at 440Hz, but 442Hz can likely be achieved with playing technique.

There are close-up photos of the embouchure showing the engraving on the lip plate. Please see photos.

This flute features the standard A# trill ice key.

The main shaft and trill shaft are the standard two-pillar design.
The DEPOSE model, like modern flutes, has separate support posts and post bases.

Includes a high-quality mahogany cleaning rod.

About Louis Léon Joseph Lebret
Louis Léon Joseph Lebret (born 1862) learned flute manufacturing techniques for ten years at the Louis Lot company. In 1888, he established his own independent workshop in Paris. He dedicated a long career specializing in metal Boehm flutes, handing over the company to René Celles in 1928, and it was later taken over by Robert Malerne in 1932.

The keywork is the superb Lebret design.
It features the characteristic Lebret design with a raised center on the cup.
Even the small F# adjustment plate bears the Lebret design.

This flute is in overall good condition, plays sweetly at A-440, and has a resonant sound reminiscent of a silver flute. The action is comfortable and quiet, and the scale is good. Despite minor surface dents, the plating condition is excellent considering the instrument is 100 years old. (Like a milady, there is some wear on the plating if you desire a high gloss).
This is a rare flute that has not been replated and retains its original luster.

Lebret serial numbers by year.
Year | Serial Number
------- | --------
1888 | 1
1920 | 3901
1924 | 4285