Author: Jack Kissinger
Date: 2009-07-17 14:28
The serial number list on this site starts (see "How Old is My [Buffet]" under "Equipment" at (K)10109 and dates the instrument at 1961. This agrees with the serial number list on the Buffet website, which actually extends the series back to 5000, dated at April 30, 1953.
While it's possible that there may have been some overlap between the B-series and K-series during the 50's, considering that Buffet was producing the K-series in some quantity by then, it strikes me as unlikely. I think 40's or early 50's is a better estimate of the manufacture of a B-series E&S. The shared post for the G# and A throat keys (and, I would guess though it's not entirely visible in the photos) a single post for the left-hand lower joint cluster keys and (what appears in the picture to be) an adjusting screw on the G# throat key would also be consistent with that dating.
IMO, the B-series E&S are far less desirable than the K-series numbered above 10109 (which may or may not signal the introduction of the polycylindrical bore to the E&S -- it appears to have lagged the R13). While a local music store might try to price an E&S around $800, the highest price I've ever seen for one on eBay was around $450. The seller, in that case, was someone who buys good quality instruments, has them overhauled professionally, knows how to present the items he has for sale and has a very good reputation on eBay.
Someone who doesn't know any better might pay $200-$250 for your instrument on eBay but I doubt a knowledgeable bidder would go much over $75-$100. (If, by chance, you can find someone now who will appraise your clarinet at $2,500, offer it to them at half that price and watch how fast they run away... or laugh all the way to the bank.)
Best regards,
jnk
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The Clarinet BBoard
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