Klarinet Archive - Posting 000225.txt from 1999/05

From: Thomas Schaffner <schaffne@-----.ch>
Subj: [kl] old clarinets?
Date: Sat, 8 May 1999 06:55:30 -0400

At a current preview of a local antiques auction (to be held in June) I came across two clarinets:

Bb: Gebrueder Moennig, Maria Neunkirchen (Germany or Austria?), serial # 26896 embossed with three stars arranged in a line, standard Boehm system with Eb lever, silver plated key work, fine Grenadilla, in playable condition.

Bb: A. Lefevres, Paris, no serial number, embossed with three stars arranged in a triangle and a lyre symbol, 6 ring Boehm system with S-K mechanism for disconnection of register key and separate (large!) key hole for throat Bb, key work of unknown alloy (color between silver and brass) fine Grenadilla, needs work on key mechanism (springs, adjustments) and repadding. This instrument is labeled as 19th century, although I doubt it in view of the S-K mechanism (when was it actually invented?).

I played both briefly with my mouthpiece (until I was turned away by the friendly auction managers!). They seem interesting instruments that will sell probably cheaply (estimates of 250 to 300 USD will almost certainly be undersold).

What is known about these instruments?

Thomas Schaffner

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