S1 alto with rollers on C/Eb

[HonestLiar]

I recently have seen a picture of a horn of which the owner claims it is a S1, but it seems to have (black) rollers on the RH pinkie C/Eb keys. In SAXPICS database S1's don't have rollers.

Has anybody ever seen such an animal?

[mostly alto guy]

I'm a bit of a Buffet nut, and I've never heard of or seen such a horn. If it's truly an S1, I'd bet that someone has changed out the RH pinky table, though I can't imagine why anyone would unless the originals somehow were damaged beyond repair.

There are other unique S1 characteristics. Look for the S1 designation on the front bell engraving, the articulated B-Bb-C# arrangement on the LH table, multi-joined F# trill and high F# keys (the latter tone hole cut into the neck tenon with a corresponding hole cut into the neck), and the sliding/swiveling thumb rest that looks like three pieces (straight "top," curved thumbrest surface, and connecting rails) soldered together. These are all S1 traits. Also, if it's a US market S1 it will have an A in the serial number indicating it's an A=440Hz horn. A European S1 might have an E, but it might not.

[HonestLiar]

The owner still claimes that it is a S1, because as he says "it is marked S1 on the horn".

It still has neither the RH pinky table nor the diamond shaped S1 engraving on the bell. Serial is 35xxxE. I asked Pete "Saxpics" Hales about it and he believes it could be a Evette / SDA mix-horn.

Sounds all very strange to me.

[goodsax]

I recently had a tenor with just the opposite conditions, i.e., it had the S-1 (no rollers) low right pinky keys and other unique keywork features, but Super Dynaction engraved in the body of the horn. These are well-known in the Buffet community as transition horns. However, I haven't heard of an S-1 Buffet with SDA keywork.

[Gange]

My Prestige (tenor) is a 36*** and it does not have the rollers. Perhaps it is an S2 marked as a S1? The S2 has the rollers. Or perhaps a transitional S1/S3?