E L Deford Flute Serial Numbers
E L Deford Flute Serial Numbers
E L Deford was a flute manufacturer based in Elkhart, Indiana, USA. The company was founded by Ernest L. Deford in 1931 and produced flutes until the late 1970s. E L Deford flutes are known for their quality and craftsmanship, and are sought after by collectors and players alike.
E L Deford flutes have serial numbers engraved on the body joint, usually near the logo or the maker's name. The serial numbers can help identify the approximate year of manufacture and the model of the flute. However, there is no definitive or official list of serial numbers for E L Deford flutes, and some serial numbers may be missing or duplicated. Therefore, the serial numbers should be used as a general guide only, and not as a definitive source of information.
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How to Find the Serial Number of an E L Deford Flute
To find the serial number of an E L Deford flute, you need to examine the body joint carefully. The body joint is the middle part of the flute that connects the head joint and the foot joint. The serial number is usually engraved on the side of the body joint, near the logo or the maker's name. The logo may vary depending on the model and the year of manufacture, but it usually consists of the letters "ELD" or "E.L. Deford" followed by "Elkhart" or "Elkhart Ind.".
Here are some examples of E L Deford flutes with their serial numbers and logos:
Serial number 8674: This flute has open tone holes and an in-line G. The engraving on the body joint reads "ELD E.L. Deford Elkhart".
Serial number 3093: This flute is silver-plated and has closed tone holes. The engraving on the body joint reads "E.L. Deford Elkhart for Bruno". Bruno was a musical instrument distributor that sold E L Deford flutes under their own brand name.
Serial number A42107: This flute is silver-plated and has closed tone holes with offset G and C foot. The engraving on the body joint reads "E.L. Deford Elkhart Ind.".
Serial number A41019: This flute is silver-plated and has closed tone holes with offset G and C foot. The engraving on the body joint reads "E.L. Deford Elkhart".
How to Date an E L Deford Flute Using Serial Numbers
As mentioned earlier, there is no definitive or official list of serial numbers for E L Deford flutes, and some serial numbers may be missing or duplicated. Therefore, dating an E L Deford flute using serial numbers can be challenging and inaccurate. However, there are some general trends and patterns that can help estimate the approximate year of manufacture and the model of the flute.
Here are some general guidelines for dating an E L Deford flute using serial numbers:
The earliest E L Deford flutes have four-digit serial numbers that start with 1 or 2. These flutes were made in the 1930s and 1940s. For example, serial number 1678 is likely from the late 1930s or early 1940s.
The next series of E L Deford flutes have four-digit serial numbers that start with 3 or 4. These flutes were made in the late 1940s and early 1950s. For example, serial number 3093 is likely from around 1950.
The third series of E L Deford flutes have four-digit serial numbers that start with 5 or 6. These flutes were made in the mid to late 1950s. For example, serial number 5678 is likely from around 1956.
The fourth series of E L Deford flutes have four-digit serial numbers that start with 7 or 8. These flutes were made in the late 1950s and early 1960s. For example, serial number 8674 is likely from around 1960.
The fifth series of E L Deford flutes have five-digit serial numbers that start with A. These flutes were made in the late 1960s and 1970s. For example, serial number A42107 is likely from around 1970.
The sixth series of E L Deford flutes have five-digit serial numbers that start with B. These flutes were made in the late 1970s. For example, serial number B12345 is likely from around 1978.
These guidelines are based on the available information and examples of E L Deford flutes, and may not be accurate for all cases. Some serial numbers may not follow these patterns, or may belong to different models or variations of E L Deford flutes. Therefore, it is advisable to consult an expert or a reputable dealer before buying or selling an E L Deford flute based on its serial number.
Conclusion
E L Deford flutes are high-quality instruments that have a long history and a loyal following. The serial numbers of E L Deford flutes can help identify the approximate year of manufacture and the model of the flute, but they are not a definitive or reliable source of information. The serial numbers should be used as a general guide only, and not as a substitute for professional appraisal or verification. E L Deford flutes are valuable and collectible, and deserve to be treated with care and respect.
I hope this article was helpful and informative. Thank you for reading!