 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Denny
Date: 1999-01-18 02:42
I have recently received my grandfather's clarinet. He passed away many years ago and the clarinet was in the possession of my father. I am trying to establish its date of origin and manufacturing history, as well as get it restored. It has a chip out of the mouthpiece and needs to be overhauled. Markings on the clarinet include ... B-flat LP. , HORS CONCOURSE, followed by what appears to be roman numerals, but not sure ... MCMC followed by others. It looks like 1902 stamped next and Coues NON or NOV & Cie underscored. A RNG (I think) is stamped, then 94 RUE QULENE (or something like that) and PARIS. The stampings are not clear under a microscope. Supposedly my grandfather purchased the clarinet in early 1900s. Any info that could help me would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.
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Author: Rick2
Date: 1999-01-18 04:20
The mouthpiece is likely worthless with a chip. Do you know if the clarinet is boehm or albert system? Than information might be helpful in determining its age.
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Author: Darrel
Date: 1999-01-19 03:47
What you have mentioned in the original message was the big clue. The Cousnon is a brand of clarinet that was produced at that time. My familiarity to that name is in brass. They were big into brass. I have seen some of the clarinets in the past. Some of them are wood while some of them are plastic. The 94 Rue Qulene is for the address where it was produced in Paris. Basically, it was the stamp of authenticity or patent for the horn.
So, my experience with them has been limited, but they didn't last because they were not built very well, comparatively to the Buffet or LeBlanc of the time. As far as today standards, this clarinet would not preform well to others. The intonation was really inconsistant. But, there is that possibility that it could play well in tune. Just have to re-build it and find out.
Hope this helps and Good Luck.
Darrel
P.S. Loose the mouthpiece. It is not really important to keep the original. In fact, you might be able to improve it with a modern mouthpiece.
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