 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: morgart1
Date: 2011-12-29 23:36
Hello. So I recently bought this H Bettoney USMC musical instrument at an auction, and desperately need some help- cant seem to find one like it!. It is a pocket flute? I believe, comes in two pieces inside a small case, measures approx 5- 6" in length in case. It is marked H Bettoney USMC on the instrument- appears to be in fairly good shape. The case is green velvet lined, one hinge is missing. I was wondering if anyone had any idea of the possible value- I can find Nothing to compare it to of this size. Any help you could share on this matter would be greatly appreciated! Any idea of the age, and a ballpark would be appreciated
Post Edited (2011-12-29 23:54)
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Author: Ken Shaw ★2017
Date: 2011-12-30 00:20
USMC probably means US Marine Corps. Lots of wind instruments were made for military use.
How many keys does it have? Can you post a photo?
Offhand, it's probably not worth a lot, unless it's like the few solid silver clarinets that Bettoney made.
Ken Shaw
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Author: Hank Lehrer
Date: 2011-12-30 01:20
Could it be a Db piccolo? I had one of those when I was in the Signal Training Center Band many.many moons ago.
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Author: morgart1
Date: 2011-12-30 02:42
Thanks for the response. It has approx. 6-8 keys, and is a two piece model. I was unsure if it was a pocket flute for some type of presententation or something. I will attempt to post a photo tommorow, the camera doesnt quite want to work.
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Author: Trevor M
Date: 2011-12-30 04:31
A flageolet maybe? Those were sort of 'nautical' instruments...
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Author: morgart1
Date: 2011-12-30 11:43
Thanks for all your help. I will try to narrow it down a bit more. Any idea of a possible valuation if it's a flageolet or a db piccolo?
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Author: Alseg
Date: 2011-12-30 13:10
Some sort of fife?
Picture would help.
Former creator of CUSTOM CLARINET TUNING BARRELS by DR. ALLAN SEGAL
-Where the Sound Matters Most(tm)-
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Author: DrewSorensenMusic
Date: 2011-12-30 14:35
Just a question, why would you purchase an instrument at auction if you have no musical inclination whatsoever (quote from Flute boards on same subject)? In my personal opinion, the market value of this instrument might be what you paid for it, because you may find it hard to find another buyer. The flute buying world does not really celebrate vintage instruments like the saxophone world might, so your instrument probably isn't worth all that much, even if it's from a top maker. I'd say put it up on ebay, try to get your money back, and don't buy at auction again unless you know what you're purchasing before you hand over your hard-earned cash.
I say this under the assumption that you purchased this instrument to try and turn a profit, since you have no musical inclination, and haven't asked how to play the instrument. If you would like to learn to play it, I'm sure there would be ample information here on these boards as well.
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Author: morgart1
Date: 2011-12-30 17:51
Well thanks for your information. I had no idea whatsoever that I would offend a purist such as yourself by simply asking the experts for their valued opinion. If however I did offend you, as it would appear I somewhat did from your sarcastic remarks and condescending manner, Then allow me to rebuttal with a question. What planet are you from that you haven't heard of speculation? Is buying and selling a capitol offense nowadays? Geesh, I had no idea. Thank you for removing the blindfolds of my ignorance and illuminating me on the full aspects of being an uptight piddler. Good day to you!
I do however greatly appreciate the information the rest of you shared, it has been very helpful. A hundred dollar purchase has turned into a four hundred dollar profit. Cheers!
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Author: DrewSorensenMusic
Date: 2011-12-30 18:07
I say you owe Ken, Hank, Trevor, and Allen a consultation fee, but you'll probably take your measly $400 and annoy some other group of hard working professionals with nonsensical blabber. Enjoy your profits, I just hope you didn't get them from an unsuspecting child or child's mother who unknowlingly purchased a substandard/unplayable instrument, only to find out that they will have to spend another $300 on servicing fees. Good day to you kind sir!
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Author: jim lande
Date: 2011-12-30 18:31
I'm guessing it is the piccolo.
1) Bettoney did not make solid silver clarinets. Haynes made the solid silver ones.
2) They did make solid silver piccolos. Based on eBay prices, they are worth about $200 to $300 if complete, undamaged, and if all the keys work easily.
3) Why buy one? I bought one because the Bettoney metal clarinets are wonderful instruments, and I figured one of these Bettoney piccolos would fit in my tenor case. However, they are much harder to restore than a clarinet and i ended up having a pro restore it. And it turns out they are harder to play than a flute and much shriller. Maybe some are not -- my opinion is based on a sample of one.
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Author: SteveG_CT
Date: 2011-12-30 18:33
jim lande wrote:
> And it turns out they are harder to play than a flute and much shriller.
> Maybe some are not -- my opinion is based on a sample of one.
>
There is that old saying that the only way to tune two piccolo players is to shoot one...
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Author: jim lande
Date: 2011-12-30 18:35
Just found the other post. I should clarify: the solid silver Bettoney piccolos were going for $200 to $300. They have a sterling hall mark. I concur that the student ones have little value. Note that Bettoney was one of the largest makers of flutes and clarinets in the 1920s & 1930s, so a huge number of their student instruments are around.
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Author: morgart1
Date: 2011-12-30 21:49
You have all been a huge help. Any idea what the hallmark looks like? Is there a link I could see it Id like to compare. Thanks a bunch!
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Author: SteveG_CT
Date: 2011-12-31 01:27
morgart1 wrote:
> You have all been a huge help. Any idea what the hallmark looks
> like? Is there a link I could see it Id like to compare. Thanks
> a bunch!
It will look like this: £
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Author: Alseg
Date: 2011-12-31 02:07
Yes........as in "Pounds Sterling" the British currency.
I still wonder if it is a ceremonial item from a military brigade.
Again, any way we could see a picture? It would help.
Keep in mind that there are size or pixel restrictions for posting pics.
As for the other stuff... Hey, Speculation is fine.
I have this Bridge in Brooklyn that I can sell you.............
Former creator of CUSTOM CLARINET TUNING BARRELS by DR. ALLAN SEGAL
-Where the Sound Matters Most(tm)-
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