 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: mmeyers
Date: 2011-05-16 00:31
Can anyone confirm for me (or tell me how to get confirmation on) the worth of my professional silver "Wolverine Grinnell Bros Detriot Mich." clarinet ? My mother and I bought it from a city parking garage sale in Royal Oak Michigan in 1983. It has the number 1024A stamped on the back at the very top of the body of the instrument. It is is great condition for it's age, has all of it's parts, along with the original case (although the case is a bit worn).
I have pictures for reference, but cannot seem to get them to properly attach to this posting. I am however happy to email them directly to anyone who may be able to assist me in finding out more information about this instrument. Any help that can be provided would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks!
Post Edited (2011-05-16 00:55)
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Author: David Spiegelthal ★2017
Date: 2011-05-16 01:27
About $25 in its current condition, and maybe $200 after a complete overhaul, IF it plays well and in tune afterwards. A decent overhaul will probably cost more than the resulting instrument is worth. That's why so many old metal clarinets show up at yard sales, flea markets, etc. Fun to mess around with, but poor 'investments'. Enjoy it for what it is, impress your friends, etc. At worst, if it doesn't play well after an overhaul, it will make a nice lamp.
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Author: SteveG_CT
Date: 2011-05-16 03:04
I have to agree with Dave. As with most clarinets brand recognition goes a long way in determining the resale value (probably more than it should). Metal clarinets have something of a stigma against them as the vast majority of metal clarinets are of student quality. Couple this with the fact that a huge portion of metal clarinets were stencil instruments whose brands are pretty much unknown and it creates a pretty bleak resale market. Only the handful of models that were known to have been of professional quality command decent prices.
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Author: Ken Shaw ★2017
Date: 2011-05-16 15:01
Everybody dreams of the Antiques Road Show moment -- going to a flea market and finding a solid silver Haynes clarinet (or flute) or a battered student clarinet that has a Chedeville or Kaspar mouthpiece tucked away in the case.
Unfortunately, this is not such a moment. The highest and best use for your Wolverine clarinet is almost certainly as a lamp. It's a great souvenir, but nothing more.
Ken Shaw
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Author: mmeyers
Date: 2011-05-16 18:25
Thank you for all of the responses. I very much appreciate knowing what I have with this instrument. I have had it sense I was in forth grade, and have never done anything with it. Just wanted to be sure that I wasn't doing something dumb if I were to let it go.
Much appreciated!
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