 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Nessie1
Date: 2009-01-07 12:41
I have always thought that my 1010s were pretty old but I did not know exactly how old so I have just been browsing the serial number lists but I'm not sure I understand them quite correctly.
The serial number of my Bb is 190113. There appear to be two patches of six-digit serial numbers starting in this ballpark, one in the 1950's and one in the 1970's so how do I know which mine belongs to?
The serial number of the A is 80351 (the two are not by any means "matched", in fact the logo stamped on the A is one which a lot of people say that they have not seen before - sort of arts and craft style with "Symphony in very large letters). Some of the serial numbers in the early 50's seem close to this but there are also some in a similar range in the 60's, so again I'm not sure. While we're about it, does anyone know about the logo?
If anyone can shed any light on this or has access to more specific information such as ledgers, I'd be very interested.
Thanks
Vanessa.
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Author: Chris P
Date: 2009-01-07 13:09
Hi Vanessa,
The Bb is from around 1960 and the A is from the early '50s, so both might probably have different keywork to each other. HAve you got any photos of the logos?
This is the most accurate B&H serial number list to be found online: 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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Author: chris moffatt
Date: 2009-01-07 13:49
The Horniman museum in south London has a lot of B&H company records etc. and the B&H instrument collection.
http://www.horniman.ac.uk/collections/references_detail.php?ARTICLE_ID=162
cheers
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Author: Nessie1
Date: 2009-01-07 22:47
Thanks for your help guys.
Interesting links and everything.
No, I don't have the Acton vent on the Bb so that must make it 50's as was suggested by Ken.
Funnily enough, I live barely a bus ride from the Horniman (why didn't I think of them - I did know that instruments were one of their specialities) so may be I'll pay them a visit.
Thanks again
Vanessa.
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Author: graham
Date: 2009-01-08 07:25
Vanessa
Suggest you make an appointment to see the curator first. They are very nice people who will help if you let them know you are coming.
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Author: Nessie1
Date: 2009-01-08 07:47
graham wrote:
> Vanessa
>
> Suggest you make an appointment to see the curator first. They
> are very nice people who will help if you let them know you are
> coming.
Yep - it says on their website that you have to book, for the library at least.
Thanks
Vanessa.
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Author: spage
Date: 2009-01-09 11:52
At the end of last year they were suffering from extreme staff shortages and only open part time. They were hopeful of getting more staff early this year. They're very helpful about this on the 'phone.
In the meantime (harder to find on their site), there's a summary of the workshop books etc., with serial numbers, at http://www.horniman.ac.uk/pdf/BH_archive_detailed_handlist.pdf (tip of the hat to Chris J who told me about this!). I think this must be where the list on clarinetperfection was derived.
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Author: Nessie1
Date: 2009-01-09 13:27
Very interesting - obviously from this information it is possible to date my instruments quite precisely.
Thanks.
Vanessa.
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