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Boosey and Hawkes clarinet

Author: MAR
Date: 2009-03-06 11:45

Hello, I hope someone can help. I have discovered a very old clarinet with the serial number 31506. The instrument is made of a synthetic material (a bit like Bakelite) and there are fewer keys than on a modern Bb clarinet. The keys and fittings are silver plated. A modern size mouthpiece does not fit, being too small.

The leather case which is with it is possibly the original. It has a brass plate on the case engraved with 'E Dearnley, Hull'.

My questions are: 1. is it valuable? 2. what is it? 3. do I take it to the charity shop or do I preserve it?

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Re: Boosey and Hawkes clarinet

Author: Chris P
Date: 2009-03-06 13:48

It could possibly an ebonite simple system C clarinet if it's smaller than a Bb, and there isn't really that much of a market for them.

Have you got any photos or measurements? Measure the entire length from the top of the barrel to end of the bell as that'll give an idea what it could be.

Is it similar to the clarinet (the lower of the two) in this pic?
http://www.clarinetperfection.com/galleryclar/BH/metal/boosey-and-co-a-and-eflat.jpg Or is it more like a mixture of the two having keywork similar to but not exactly the same as either?

Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.

Post Edited (2009-03-06 13:52)

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Re: Boosey and Hawkes clarinet

Author: MAR
Date: 2009-03-06 13:59

Hi Chris,

Thanks for that. It's very like the top clarinet in your picture. It's 60 cm from bell to top of the barrel. It's low pitch.

MAR

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Re: Boosey and Hawkes clarinet

Author: Chris P
Date: 2009-03-06 14:05

There's more detailed photos here: http://www.clarinetperfection.com/clsnBH.htm

Former oboe finisher
Howarth of London
1998 - 2010
The opinions I express are my own.

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Re: Boosey and Hawkes clarinet

Author: chris moffatt
Date: 2009-03-08 00:28

If it looks like the upper photo (ie it has the rings on the upper joint and rollers on the little-finger keys on the lower joint) it is an Albert system (modified simple system) dating to the early 1930's.

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Re: Boosey and Hawkes clarinet

Author: MAR
Date: 2009-03-09 10:55

Thanks to everyone for their help. I have decided to keep it as a display item as a point of interest, nothing more. At least I can tell our students exactly what it is now!

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