 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: David Tang
Date: 2002-05-30 22:55
I own what appears to be an old Normandy clarinet. At the top of the top joint, it says "Made by Noblet" followed by the word "Special". Underneath that is the old Normandy logo. Serial number is 3177A. Does anybody have any idea how old this clarinet is? If not, how do I find out for myself? I've already tried consulting serial number lists at several music stores to no avail. Any help will be much appreciated.
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Author: Dee
Date: 2002-05-30 23:11
You might be able to get some info by calling Leblanc's customer service in Kenosha, Wisconsin.
Basically however, anything older than 1964 is not on record as Leblanc doesn't keep records that long. Your best bet is to list the serial number and try to find someone who has a close number that bought theirs new and so would know the approximate year.
You don't need to list the exact number if you are worried about security. Just put something like 4xxxxxx so people can tell the first digit and how long the number is.
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Author: jbutler
Date: 2002-05-31 14:41
It has been my experience that Normandy Specials are very inconsistent. I believe these were made late 50's early 60's, but please, don't take this to be definitive. I base my judgement by the types of original cases I've seen these come to me in. Some of them had wood barrels and bells, others had resonite barrels and bells. Selmer did the same with their "Special" instruments for a while. I guess it was a way to keep costs down. I try to match them with wood barrels and bells when possible, but my supply has depleted at the moment.
jbutler
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Author: Don Berger
Date: 2002-05-31 14:52
Search the Phorum, there is much Noblet and Normandy info there, likely the best [for you] is under "Noblet history" [# 6, etc] . I have a 1950-60's Stubbins model made by Noblet, will run down the ser # and post. Mark C may have posted his N history from Langwill, which should mention his early time as maker, and his later association with LeBlanc [as far as I know AFIK]. Don
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Author: Don Berger
Date: 2002-05-31 17:34
My Stubbins says, at top of UJ, "Made in France by Noblet", ser.# 32xxx, which via the Stubbins patent US 2,508,550, I date as early 1950's. The S-K mechanism is it's only diff. from the usual Noblet of that time period. The much earlier N's were D Noblet. I also have a PLATEAU Normandy plastic, ser# 5xxx, 1940's?? I hope this and info from others may help you. Don
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Author: Yellowsocks
Date: 2011-02-28 00:46
I have a Normandy Special, which also says "Made by Noblet" at the top of the joint, and "France" below the logo. It has a wooden barrel and "bumpy" trill keys on three posts. It is either from 1953 or 1957ish, and its s/n is 62xxB.
It was purchased by my uncle... per my aunt he bought a clarinet in 1953 and another "after he finished school," but I'm not sure which of those clarinets this one is.
I've just purchased another Normandy, but not a Special, which appears to be very much of the same vintage, s/n 53xx. Its barrel is plastic and the trill keys are smooth (instead of ridged) on four posts.
Hope that helps!
=)
Kk.
College House B&B, Ashland, OH
www.collegehousebb.com
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