Author: Mark Weinstein
Date: 1999-09-25 09:05
" ... band instuctor told me that it may be worth something."
Well, it certainly is worth something, any clarinet in "play condition" is. Now, would it bring a premium as an antique or "specialty instrument"? Based upon the limited info, you gave probably not. The Normandy model, while a nice student instrument put out by Leblanc is not a higher-end model .... approaching professional quality or being of a professional quality. Now that doesn't mean anything bad, just that its not a Buffet R-13, Leblanc Opus., or Selmer Signature.
GENERALLY speaking, vintage clarinets do NOT increase in value that significantly. In most cases they do NOT reach the values of new instruments. Certain instruments may have an "attraction" to players or collectors because of (historical, physical) features in the development of the clarinet, like the wraparound register key, etc.
"I know for a fact that my grandma played the very same clarinet when she was younger, she is now 76".
That is wonderful, the clarinet was obviously well-made and well-taken care of. NICE. But, it still doesn't rise to the point of giving it much extra value. Sounds like it may have been purchased in the early 1930's.
".... and gave it to my mother when she was a little girl."
You don't sound that old, so your Mom isn't that old either. (smile) Definitely a family heirloom, passed from one family member to another. That is always nice.
"It has the Normandy name, and on the mouthpiece it says Paris, France. (I suspect that is where it was made.)"
Generally speaking, the NOBLE line of clarinets by Leblanc have a greater value. That is true today with their new instruments and was definitely the case as far back as 1946. I purchase such a Noblet, and did the research on it, not too long ago.
" ... how much it may be worth now? If it helps, it is in good condition, and still produces beatuifully pitched low and high tones."
My guess without seeing would be no more than $300. AND, e less depending on replacement condition of corks and pads.
The old mouthpiece might add to the value for a collector, depending upon the materials used in manufacture of the mouthpiece and its present condition.
Hope that helps.
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