Louis Lot Flute 

Louis Esprit Lot (1807–1896) began his promising career as a craftsman at the age of 20, working for the renowned French flute maker Clair Godfroy. In 1833, Lot and Clair Godfroy’s son, Vincent Hypolite, purchased the firm, which was subsequently renamed Société Godfroy fils et Lot.

By 1837, Godfroy and Lot were already producing flutes with the Boehm system. In the same year, Louis Dorus published the first method for the new flute, titled L’Étude de la nouvelle flûte, méthode progressive arrangée d'après Devienne.

In 1847, Theobald Boehm sold the patent for his cylindrical flute to the firm Godfroy fils et Lot, making them the exclusive manufacturers of Boehm's flutes in France. The firm quickly standardized the instrument's design, including key mechanisms, tone hole placement, a model headjoint with chimney, and a refined and elegant overall structure.

With the support of the prominent French flutist Louis Dorus (principal flutist of the Paris Opera), the cylindrical flute rapidly gained popularity in France. Dorus also contributed to the development of the closed G# key system, in contrast to Boehm’s original open G# design, which significantly altered the fingering. This was one of the reasons the Boehm system was initially rejected by many flutists accustomed to the traditional closed G# mechanism.

In 1854, the Godfroy-Lot partnership was dissolved, and Lot began producing flutes under his own name in March 1855. In 1860—the same year Dorus became a professor at the Paris Conservatoire—Lot’s firm was appointed official flute supplier to the Conservatoire. That year also marked a significant increase in the production of cylindrical flutes. Until the end of 1859, Lot used only silver for his metal flutes. In 1860, he produced five nickel-silver flutes, four of them commissioned by the Conservatoire. Meanwhile, production of wooden flutes declined as metal flute making increased.

In 1862, significant modifications were introduced to Lot flutes: the Dorus G# key was replaced by an independent key (known as the clé de sol# duplicata), the lip plate and chimney were reinforced and unified, the tone holes became larger and more circular, and the mechanism was made more robust. The tone holes on the footjoint were enlarged, and the support column for the main body mechanism was divided into two parts. These enhancements had a tremendous impact, and it was this model of flute that American makers W.S. Haynes and Verne Q. Powell would later emulate around 1920.

In April 1876, Lot retired and was succeeded by Henri Villette. Lot and his wife moved from Paris to Chatou, where he lived until his death on December 1, 1896, at the age of 89. That same year, on June 9, Louis Dorus died at the age of 83. Both men passed away just as the 20th century was about to dawn—a century that would fully embrace the modern flute and the French Flute School they helped shape. The Louis Lot brand was eventually sold to SML Marigaux, which continued to produce quality flutes, though generally considered inferior to those made during Lot’s tenure.

H. Villette – Continued the brand’s tradition of excellence. His instruments are outstanding; some consider them equal or even superior to those of his mentor and friend, Louis Lot. He won a silver medal at the Exposition de Paris in 1878.

Debonneetbeau – A man of strong personality who edited and occasionally published music, such as Caresses by J. Donjon. However, his flutes were highly inconsistent, seemingly depending on his mood. His management was a disaster, and he did not participate in the 1889 Paris Exposition.

E. Barat – Under his direction, the company experienced a revival, producing flutes with great consistency. The 6000 series is particularly prized and sought after. His instruments were a highlight of the 1900 Exposition.

E. Chambille – The firm’s foreman since 1882, known for his serious and consistent craftsmanship. Flutists in the early 20th century searching for older Louis Lot models often sought him out for both instruments and restorations.

G. Chambille – The daughter of Ernest Chambille, she had already been working alongside her father and took over after his death on October 23, 1922. Widely respected, she unfortunately assumed leadership during a very difficult economic time. Her foreman, Martial Lefèvre, was a gifted maker and crafted the firm’s last high-quality instruments. Between 1921 and 1951, they produced only 250 metal flutes while continuing to restore older models. In 1951, Gabrielle Chambille passed away after producing only five flutes that year, and the factory permanently closed.

The popularity of French flutes spread to the United States with prominent French flutists who were recruited by major American orchestras.

Flutists such as Laurent in Boston, Barrère in New York, and Maquarre in Philadelphia brought their Louis Lot flutes with them, inspiring American makers like Haynes and Powell to copy these instruments. They encouraged their students to adopt these models, which led to a gradual replacement of traditional German-system flutes and a broader transition from wood to metal flutes.

William Kincaid, a student of Barrère and one of the most influential American flute teachers, likely played on an open G# flute even before Jean-Pierre Rampal was born.

Louis LOT n° ?? early 20th century french flutist Laurent in Boston

Louis LOT n° ?? early 20th century french flutist Barrère in New York

Louis LOT n° ?? early 20th century french flutist Maquarre in Philadelphia

Louis LOT n° <75 N.A. Destreham USA (1855) ie Mr D. ordered a flute in 1855, must have been a flute with number up to # 75.

Louis LOT n° 72-156 One flute between 72-156 Tomas Mott USA (1856)

Louis LOT n°103 Possibly with the The Dayton C Miller flute collection at the library of congress, USA

Louis LOT n°165 Boehm flute with perforated Keys, Closed G#, silver with gold lip plate; 666 mm. Bought from Christensen & Co. Boston 20/jan/1922. The Dayton C. Miller flute collection at the library of congress, USA

Louis LOT n° 156-230 Trist of New Orleans (1857)

Louis LOT n° 208, 1860 perforated keys, Dorus G#, B-foot, cocus with silver fittings, 703 mm. Bought from G.W. Haynes, NY, 22/march/1918. The Dayton C Miller flute collection at the library of congress, USA

Louis LOT n° 214 Giulio Briccialdi, Italy (1857)

Louis LOT n°261 Paris 1860, 5 keys rosewood or grenadilla with silver fittings, 607 mm. Bought from H. Maniere Paris, 5/sep/1930. The Dayton C Miller flute collection at the library of congress, USA

Louis LOT n° 400 Giuseppe Garibaldi

Louis LOT n°401 Jules Deneux, Varenne

Louis LOT n° 409 F.A. Brix, Buenos Aires

Louis LOT n° 414 H. Van Boom Holland

Louis LOT n° 439 Paul Taffanel, Paris Opera

Louis LOT n° 450 Andre Lemort, Nice, also #486

Louis LOT n°456, (also 502) Charles Herval, Havre

Louis LOT n° 474 A. Hennebains, Paris Opera (1894-1914)

Louis LOT n°475 Louis Dorus, Paris Opera

Louis LOT n° 476 Henri Altés, Paris Opera

Louis LOT n° 482 Emile Astruc, Marseille

Louis LOT n° 486 Andre Lemort, Nice, also 450

Louis LOT n°502, 486 Charles Herval, Havre

Louis LOT n° 552 J. Boulze Opera 1922-1955 (also # 1838, 1312)

Louis LOT n° 600 Paul Taffanel (also #439, 2104)

Louis LOT n° 740 Emil Brossa, Manchester

Louis LOT n° 753 Oluf Svendsen, England. In 1865 the Norwegian flutist, Oluf Svendsen, played a concerto by Molique with the orchestra of the Philharmonic Society in London

Louis LOT n° 803 E. Portré (also # 1508)

Louis LOT n° 910 This is a very special and rare flute from the great flute maker L. Lot. This flute was built in 1865 and is of silver construction. The lip plate is beautifully designed by a process called machining where a pattern is installed completely around the surface of the lip plate, leaving a surface untouched for approximately 1/8 inch from the center of the blow hole and 1/8 inch on he outside edge of the lip plate. The head joint has been shortened a bit, with the remaining ring still inside the barrel, allowing the flute to be played at between A=440-442 easily. The only other aspect which is not original is that the threaded posts and washers which used to retain the pads has been replaced with the modern system of spud and washer. This L. Lot plays with a refinement and sweetness unlike any other flute. It is really incredible.

Louis Lot flute #1061 As with the L. Lot #910, this flute has a lip plate machined just the same, but with an entirely different pattern. Also manufactured in silver, this flute was built in 1866 and is one of the great examples of his flutesfrom the early Boehm period. It plays down to low C and carries with it a singing, lyrical quality found primarily in the flutes from this period. This flute is completely original and comes with a one piece case with cover and key. A truly rare and beautiful flute. Home Page: http://flutes4sale.com/ Flute Center of New York.

Louis LOT n° 1108 Jean-Pierre Rampal

Louis LOT n° 1144 Rene Le Roy

Louis LOT n° 1172 F. Maêtre Guy LAURENT

Louis LOT n° 1312 J. Boulze, Paris Opera 1922-1955 (also #552, 1838)

Louis LOT n° 1332 (1869) G. Blanquart, Paris Opera 1923-1949

Louis LOT n° 1364 silver ,gold lip plate, Fredrik Heiwinkel, SWE, also #6262, 4436

Louis LOT n° 1366 Low C Trevor Wye, GB

Louis LOT n° 1375 (1869) única Louis Lot de ouro (18K). Originally sold to Jean Rémusat. Purchased by Jean-Pierre Rampal (Opera 1955-1962) in 1948.

Louis LOT n° ca 1400 flute Boehm-system; pitch @ A= 440 Louis Lot, Paris, 1870 Louis Lot (1807-96) established 1855, soon becoming the foremost flute maker of France 3 joints in silver; Boehm-system keywork in silver; perforated holes; open g# model; length 676 L.L. / LOUIS-LOT / PARIS / 1809 headjoint not original (by Rudall Carte?), and cannot be screwed home into middle joint; has been converted from closed G# to open G# model; repair patch to body dirty and tarnished, otherwise good. Museum of RNCM 124 Oxford Road, Manchester, England, United Kingdom M13 9RD

Louis LOT n° 1449 Berhellot, Amiens

Louis LOT n° 1478 LOT FLUTE GP H/J C1478

Louis LOT n° 1508 E. Portre, Opera Comique (1919-1938)

Louis LOT n° 1556 G. Delangle, Paris Opera (1913-1929)

Louis LOT n° 1602 Jean Chefnay, Opera Comique (1951-1970)

Louis LOT n° 1765 ,1872, perf. keys, closed G#, cocus with ebonite head and silver fittings,. 533 mm. Bought from Baxter-Northup Co, LA 20/nov/1918. The Dayton C Miller flute collection at the library of congress. USA

Louis LOT n° 1786 Gaston Crunelle, prof. of Paris Conservatoire

Louis LOT n° 1830 LOUIS LOT, C Flute, #1830, silver, Cft. [9/15/92] stolen, showed at Larry Krans site, Basil Kyriakou, 202-265-7855.

Louis LOT n° 1944 Gaston Crunelle Opera Comique

Louis LOT n° 1986 Philippe Gaubert, prof. of Paris Conservatoire

Louis LOT n° 2026 Jean-Pierre Eustache, Paris Opera 1960-1990

L.LOT (Paris), #2040, rare antique flute, made in 1875 in Paris. Seamed tube construction, the head, body, foot and all keywork silver plated over nickel-silver alloy. Open (French) keywork to low C, closed G#. Sounding length is 604mm, the flute playing well at A=438. New plating to the keywork, B trill (not Bb), original case, new pads and corks. $7250

Louis LOT n° 2104 Paul Taffanel in 1875 for 525 Francs.

Louis LOT n° 2450 Low C: Trevor Wye, GB

Louis LOT n° 2623 silver plated, plateau cups, C foot, overhauled and replated. (Made by Marigaux).

Louis LOT n°2705 Paris 1879 Boehm syst, closed G#, 4 rings rosewood with silver fittings, 655 mm, DCM: "Head seem of different wood, and flute may have been cut at joint" Bought from A. Whitehead NY 5 june 1939. The Dayton C Miller flute collection at the library of congress, USA

Louis LOT n°2764 head only used with early #3000 about flute by Eldered Spell. It belonged to WIBB, then Chris Taylor, then Adrian Brett, then Eldered Spell who also have a #5000 head.

Louis LOT n°2962 Paris 1880 Perf. keys closed G# silver 680 mm. Gift of Charles Chapman, Morristown, NJ, 15/dec/1924. The Dayton C Miller flute collection at the library of congress, USA

Louis LOT n° 3006 Head only Trevor Wye, GB

Louis LOT n° 3203 Ebonite Lot: low C. Trevor Wye BG

Louis LOT n° 3210 Piccolo America's Shrine to Music Museum 414 E. Clark St. Vermillion, SD 57069

Louis LOT n° 3405,perf keys, closed G#, cocus w ebonite head and silver fittings. 675 mm. Bought from G. Haynes New York 17 march 1919. TheDayton C Miller flute collection at the library of congress. USA

Louis Lot #3952 A "plated" Lot with closed holes and a C-foot. This flute is original and is a real player. Built in 1884 by Debonnetbeau. Tuned to 438-440. Many say the plated Lots are some of the best.

Louis Lot #4080 L.LOT (Paris), #4080, silver flute, made in France in 1886. Open (French) keywork to low C, in-line G, "H # V" stamps to all keys and to the embouchure. The sounding length of the flute is 598 mm, making the flute play very well at A = 440 pitch. Lip is exactly 10mm x 12mm., oval shape. There is some evidence of restoration to the head section, but the flute has never been "re-tuned", of course. Original case, very good pads, very little wear to the keywork. $12000

Louis Lot #4200 L. LOT (Paris), #4200 (1886), rare vintage flute, all silver construction, French keys to low C, soldered tone holes. Rectangular original embouchure measures 10.1 X 11.8 mm. Case is original and good. Engraving to the head and body is almost perfect, very sharp and clear. Seamed tube construction, French keywork to low C, in-line G. Sounding length = 600mm., (A = 439). “H # Vâ€` and French sterling silver hallmarks on the embouchure, the tube, the keywork. This is a superb example of the flutes of L. Lot when the firm was owned by Villette. Never altered or damaged, very original save for the new pads and corks. $13,750

Louis LOT n° c.4200. low C, Thumb trill. Trevor Wye GB

Louis LOT n° 4292 Ordered by Emil Brossa april 1887. Made by Debonneetbeau

Louis LOT n°4294 en argent, system Boehm 36.000 F, French auction, dec/99

Louis LOT n°4416 America's Shrine to Music Museum 414 E. Clark St. Vermillion, SD 57069

Louis LOT n° 4436 "tinflute" covered keys F. Heiwinkel, swe

Louis LOT n° 4440 just head , Pamela McElwain-Brown USA

Louis LOT n°4799 Paris 1892 Flute in E flat. Boehm 1832 system Closed G#, Light wood with silver fittings, 569 mm, Bought from Masspacher Paris 6 sept. 1929. The Dayton C Miller flute collection at the library of congress. USA

Louis LOT n° 5000 head only. Used to be used with body around #3000 (early ;teardrop D#).) owned by Eldered Spell who bought it from Bard Bakker in Toronto. He got it from Rampal in Paris, just after WWII. The headjoint now in use with this #3000 body is #2764. It belonged to WIBB, then Chris Taylor, then Adrian Brett, then Eldered Spell

Louis LOT n° 5032 Emil Prill, Hamburg sold for 546 F

Louis LOT n° 5066 only headjoint, silver plated with Erik Sunnerstam, body with Gunnar Flejte, SWE

Louis Lot #5444 silver plated, Cft. [9/15/92] stolen, showed at Larry Krans site, silver plated, Cft. Basil Kyriakou, 202-265-7855.

Louis Lot #5452 All silver, B-foot joint with left hand low B lever, Plateau model, 14K gold lip plate, made 1892. This one is a real player. Played in a major US symphony. Price: $9,500.00 Home Page: http://flutes4sale.com/ Flute Center of New York. New Jersey Fax: 732-531-5558. Last Updated: Tuesday, 01-Feb-2000

Louis LOT n° 5510 Gunilla von Bahr. Bought by G. Malmgren ,swedish flutist, from Switzerland, sold to F. Heiwinkel., sold to Robert von Bahr - Gunilla von Bahr. SWE

Louis LOT n°5773 Wooden cylindrical flute, closed keys. No cracks (!) probably tuned at 438. In its original case, using a metal head No. 9342 silver plated 212 mm. Apparently used with metal head since 1924 according to looks of flute case and a certificate from 1924 by Swedish national opera flutist praising the quality of the flute. Head looks tempered with at joint but lip plate seems to be original and not recut. Owned by Swedish collector, possibly for sale.

Louis LOT, n° 6042 (museum) silver system Boehm.

Louis LOT, n 6262 silver open hole F. Heiwinkel swe. Also #4436, #1364

Louis Lot #6543 A real classic in all silver. In good condition playing down to low B and tuned at A=440. There was a repair to the tube tenon as it fits into the foot joint, but was done very well and has no effect. The lip plate looks to be original. It was originally built with a left hand low B lever, but it has since been removed. Grab it while available. Price: $9500.00 Home Page: http://flutes4sale.com/ Flute Center of New York. Last Updated: Tuesday, 01-Feb-2000

Louis LOT n° 6798 silver , body only ;Erik Sunnerstam SWE , head joint stolen in Paris 1979

Louis LOT n°6862, stolen in Gent, Belgium in early January 2000, flute was in a Yamaha case [1/4/00]

Louis LOT n°8000 Stig Bengtsson, SWE (also #10280)

Louis LOT n°9280. Flate en argent, systeme Boehm par Louis LOT

Louis LOT n° 9302

Louis LOT n°9342 Just head joint in plated silver, tempered with at joint (shortened) used with wooden LL flute #5772. Swedish collector. Maybe 4 sale.

Louis LOT n° 9537 private collector ***

Louis LOT n° 9679 played by Pamela McElwain-Brown USA, uses extra head #4440

Louis LOT n°10280 Stig Bengtsson, SWE also #8000

Louis LOT n°10442 last Lot made in 1951 (??)

Author: by Marcos Kiehl with additions by Nilson Mascolo Filho

Some measurements of Louis Lot Headjoint:

Louis Lot Flute Article Medidas.pdf

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