Lillian Burkart Handmade Sterling Silver Flute Headjoint #292 w/ Original Case – Boston, MA

Lillian Burkart Handmade Sterling Silver Flute Headjoint #292 w/ Original Case – Boston, MA

Description

Beautifully handcrafted Lillian Burkart professional flute headjoint, handmade in Boston, Massachusetts, and bearing the exceptionally low serial number 292.

Lillian Burkart is regarded as one of America's premier flute makers, producing handmade professional instruments and headjoints favored by orchestral musicians, university professors, and advanced performers worldwide. Early Boston-built Burkart examples such as this are seldom encountered on the secondary market.

This headjoint features Burkart's elegant traditional design, including a handcrafted sterling silver lip plate, decorative rope-style crown, and precision-fitted tenon. The embouchure has the broad, comfortable feel and responsive cut for which Burkart headjoints are known, offering excellent projection, clarity, and tonal flexibility.

The headjoint is engraved:

Lillian Burkart
Boston
292

Included is the original fitted storage case.

Specifications

• Maker: Lillian Burkart
• Handmade in Boston, Massachusetts, USA
• Professional Boehm-system flute headjoint
• Sterling silver construction*
• Decorative rope-style crown
• Serial Number: 292
• Tenon Outside Diameter: 19.70 mm
• Approximate Tenon Length: 1.5 inches (38 mm)
• Includes original fitted case

*No sterling hallmark (such as "925" or "Sterling") was found during inspection. However, the construction, engraving, finish, and period-correct specifications are consistent with Burkart's professional sterling silver headjoints.

Condition

Very good overall vintage condition.

The headjoint is structurally sound with no visible dents, cracks, solder repairs, or damage to the embouchure. The lip plate remains smooth and well preserved, and the tube appears straight.

There is moderate cosmetic tarnish, oxidation, and light surface scratching from normal use over the years. Most of the discoloration should respond well to professional polishing if desired, although many players prefer to leave vintage silver with its original patina.

Please review all photographs carefully, as they form an important part of the description.

Notes

This headjoint is designed for Boehm-system concert flutes. As with any professional handmade headjoint, compatibility depends on the dimensions of the receiving flute body. The measured tenon outside diameter is 19.70 mm, but buyers should verify compatibility with their specific instrument, as minor fitting by a qualified flute technician may be required for optimal performance.