A Verne Q. Powell flute, serial no. 365 is said to be the most expensive flute in the world. The flute was made for the1939 New York Worlds Fair, where it was displayed behind glass and secured around the clock by armed guards. After the fair, it was purchased by renown flutist William Kincaid. William Kincaid had many credits to his name including teaching at the Curtis Institute of Music in Philadelphia, playing in the Philadelphia Symphony Orchestra for 39 years, as well as time with the New York City Symphony Orchestra. Kincaid is considered one of the most influential teachers and players in the US. He is indeed considered by many to have been the patriarch of American flutists. Kincaid used Powell #365 until he passed away at the age of 71, in 1967. Shortly before his death, he handed down the flute to one of his star pupils, Elaine Shaffer. Ms. Shaffer was a trailblazer of sorts. After holding the second flute position in the Kansas City Philharmonic (1947-1948), she landed in the principal chair at Houston (1948-1953). This was at a time when women were just beginning to get orchestral positions. After leaving Houston, she began a distinguished solo and chamber career (another first for a woman). Powell #365 was sold to Stuart Pivar at a Christie’s Auction in 1986 for $187,000. Noted art collector, sometimes musician, and now controversial author (Lifecodes), Pivar competed for the flute with an investment banker, who wanted to buy it for his 12-year-old daughter. It has been reported that next to Pivar at the auction was Andy Warhol. Pivar had become a close friend and shopping companion of the artist after they had co-founded the New York Academy of Art. Warhol’s diary entry that year for Oct. 18 recorded the moment: “Stuart kept his paddle up and I could feel his whole body next to me shaking. When the hammer came down, Stuart was just in shock. Just in shock. He then consumed two double martinis and four hot chocolates.” Pivar became the proud owner of Powell #365, which is a .010” wall platinum flute with Sterling silver keys. It has an in-line G, B foot, and has French open hole keys. The flute was painstakingly engraved by Verne Powell with the trylon & perishere logo of the ’39 Worlds Fair. The flute currently resides at the Metropolitan Museum of Art In New York City where it is on loan. It is on display in their Musical Instrument Collection. –  Jeff Smith