 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: susieray
Date: 2004-09-01 16:28
Attachment: old signet.jpg (274k)
Can any of you fine people help me date an old Selmer Signet?
The horn is obviously (to me anyway) an older model; I am guessing maybe 1940's or earlier but I can't find any definite info. It came in an old beat up pouchette style case with the fake alligator skin, rope handles and the brass "Selmer" nameplate on the outside. I've had it overhauled by one of my elves and it is actually a pretty nice horn. It has nickel silver keys and blue steel needle springs. The serial number is 11863.
It is not marked Signet 100, Special, or Soloist......just Signet.
I am not finding serial numbers for the Selmer USA line anywhere, maybe
some of you guys have old catalogs around with this model in it?
thank you thank you thank you in advance!
Sue
PS. photo attached
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Author: John O'Janpa
Date: 2004-09-01 18:12
Sue,
I've been trying to sort of compile a list of serial number vs. year of manufacture for wooden Selmer USA clarinets for a couple of years, but so far it is anything but gospel.
I think Signets, Signet Specials, Signet Special Mazzeos, and Signet Special Soloists were numbered in the same series as they were made, but again I'm not sure
I own several Signet Specials. The only one I'm absolutely sure about is the one my parents purchased for me in the fall of 1955. Even for that one, I know when it was purchased, but don't know how long it may have been in the store before that.
The serial number for the one purchased in the fall of 1955 is 26754.
I've been keeping track of what others who own them tell me, and what eBay sellers claim. Using the ones that seem to fit together, and throwing out the wild ones, I think that they made in the neighborhood of 3000/year in the early years (pre 1955). Using that assumption (which could be way off) yours is 15000 older than mine, so I'd guess it to be five years older than mine making it a '50 or so model.
If anyone has definite knowledge on the serial number versus age on any selmer USA wooden models, I sure would appreciate the info so I can fine tune my makeshift list. It would be nice to know when the 1st one was made, and was it marked 1 ?
.
John
Post Edited (2004-09-02 11:51)
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Author: Vytas
Date: 2004-09-05 17:59
H. & A. Selmer clarinets promotional advertisement from 1953 features the Selmer (Paris) CT, Signet, Bundy Grenadilla, Bundy Special, and Bundy Resonite.
Vytas Krass
Professional clarinet technician
Custom clarinet mouthpiece maker
Former professional clarinet player
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