W.T. Armstrong Model 104 Flute Value Guide

The W.T. Armstrong Model 104 is a cornerstone of American musical history, manufactured in Elkhart, Indiana, during the mid-20th century. It is highly collectible for its reputation as a nearly indestructible student-level instrument that defined the sound of school band programs from 1960 to 1975.

What Is W.T. Armstrong Model 104 Flute Worth?

The typical price range for W.T. Armstrong Model 104 Flute is $100 - $110 based on recent sales. However, values can vary depending on the item's condition, rarity, and other factors such as:

• Condition of the silver plating, specifically looking for 'pitting' or wear-through to the base metal.
• The state of the pads and corks; instruments requiring a full repad are valued closer to the lower end of the $100 range.
• Presence of the original hardshell carrying case and cleaning rod from the 1960-1975 era.
• Mechanical alignment of the keys and the absence of significant dents in the headjoint or body tube.

How to Identify W.T. Armstrong Model 104 Flute?

• Look for the 'W.T. Armstrong' and '104' model number engravings on the body near the headjoint tenon.
• Verify the presence of a closed-hole (plateau) key system and an offset G key configuration.
• Check for the 'Elkhart, IND' stamp, signifying its origin from the original Indiana production facility.
• Confirm the construction materials are silver-plated nickel silver rather than solid sterling silver.

History of W.T. Armstrong Model 104 Flute

William Teasdale Armstrong founded his company in Elkhart, Indiana, in 1931. Originally a repair shop, the firm began manufacturing high-quality flutes in the late 1940s. The Model 104 became one of the most widely used student flutes in the world, known for its robust construction and reliability in school band programs throughout the mid-to-late 20th century.