An Oddity Martin (Possibly a Custom)

sparq said:

Per the engraving, it's a Handcraft.

However, I think it's been modified with an added Front F mechanism and a change to the side Bb key - maybe it was missing when repaired.

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bruce bailey said:

It is just a later HC series 3. They had that side Bb and a front F (after 1928). Probably no rear Eb too. These were made alongside the Troub and typewriter.

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bruce bailey said:

The F#, like the different side Bb and possibly no rear Eb was just an evolution that went on the series 3. Think Typewriter without the pearls. Maybe a HC series 3.5? Here are some photos...use the gallery dropdown for the different model photos. The Martin Story - All there is to know about Martin saxophones

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Very curious! I think I have a good answer for what you have there, and it's really interesting. So, my guess is you have a Martin Master Model without the additional pearls. My guess as to why is that perhaps they had a Master Model body that never got sold or something, or perhaps it was a special order. I realize it is slightly too late to be considered as part of the traditional serial number range for the Master Model, but oh well. So here's my evidence.
Martin Handcraft Master Model (Typewriter): American Makes & Models / Martin / Handcraft Master - "Typewriter" / Eb Alto 101356 |
Martin Handcraft "Transitional" Model: American Makes & Models / Martin / Handcraft / Eb Alto 108502 |
Martin Handcraft Imperial: Martin Handcraft Imperial Alto Saxophone (1933)
So if you look at the first example, the typewriter model is, other than the extra pearls and finish of course, identical to your horn. I believe you already made a note of this. Also, the neck design is the same, having the added neck brace, which none of the original Handcraft models had. Also, we know it's not a neck from a different horn, because Martin put the serial number on their necks as well, and it matches the body. Lastly the engraving is exactly the same. While it is true that some of the original Handcraft horns had this design as well, I haven't been able to find a single example of a typewriter model that didn't have that shield emblem and font.
If you look at the second and third examples size by side, they are quite interesting. The second has no discernible markings as an Imperial, and like Handcraft models has a split bell design. What is also interesting is on one of the bands it has "M203" etched on. Is that meaningful? Who knows! The Imperials, as I believe you noted, moved both bell keys to the left side of the instrument. However, the key design is virtually identical, from the auxiliary F# to the sculpted high E. These are features that the typewriter model and your instrument lack. There are likely other similarities and differences between the second and third examples, but I think they suggest that the second one is the transitional horn, and perhaps even a late-stage prototype.
So, what I think this all suggests is that you in fact have a Martin Master Model, just without the "Typewriter" part of the equation. Also of note is that when compared to the original Handcraft models it has no G# trill, nor does it have the fork Eb tonehole. The original Handcrafts had these features. The Master Models did not. So yeah, seems like you have quite an interesting horn! If only it could talk...

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turf3 said:

Keep in mind that Martin were not concerned about maintaining clear delineations between different models. They were in the business of making stuff and selling it. They didn't care that people 90 years later would be obsessing over whether this key matches with that model. And when you went to the music store to buy a sax, they might have "the Conn saxophone", "the Martin saxophone", "the Buescher saxophone", etc. Maybe two of each. You didn't go "but the catalog shows the key round the back and this one's on the front" - you played the thing and if you liked it you bought it.

Furthermore, Martin more than most makers had a tendency to dicker with their designs and they made mechanical changes about as often as you and I make sock changes.

I'd say if it says "Handcraft" that's what it is.

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jfisch said:

Thanks for the link and your thoughts. I actually emailed the guy that runs that site some pictures and he didn't seem to think it was a straight handcraft either. Another odd feature is the brace on the neck which also didn't seem to be a feature on the handcrafts and I know the neck belongs with the horn because the serial numbers match. The brace was added to the master and troubadour models.
The pearled octave key was a master/troubadour feature but I haven't seen that on any of the earlier handcraft pictures I've looked at.
When I posted on Reddit I got this response and I thought it made the most sense:

Long story short... without some kind of Time Machine I don't think I'll ever have a good answer. All I know is that it's a wonderful horn that will stay with me as long as I can still put air through it.

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Tryptykon said:

Thanks for the link to the Reddit topic and bassic-sax.info link.

I have a 109,896 s/n HC split bell tenor like that. altho' in dark lacquer instead
of that gorgeous silver plate - a little outside of the range for HC tenors, I guess .

Series 3.5 ..ha ha.. I like that .

I also have a Troub' alto 104K and an earlier 89K HC tenor.

I like this period of Martins .

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turf3 said:

Keep in mind that Martin were not concerned about maintaining clear delineations between different models. They were in the business of making stuff and selling it. They didn't care that people 90 years later would be obsessing over whether this key matches with that model. And when you went to the music store to buy a sax, they might have "the Conn saxophone", "the Martin saxophone", "the Buescher saxophone", etc. Maybe two of each. You didn't go "but the catalog shows the key round the back and this one's on the front" - you played the thing and if you liked it you bought it.

Furthermore, Martin more than most makers had a tendency to dicker with their designs and they made mechanical changes about as often as you and I make sock changes.

I'd say if it says "Handcraft" that's what it is.

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jfisch said:

Dang! Just need a get a bari, soprano, and c-melody to round it out haha! Have you had any issues with the solder on the tone holes? That’s my biggest worry. How’s service been on them? I’m going to get mine serviced soon and I’m scared of what they’re going to find. I mean it plays so it can’t be too bad? Right? Right!? Oh god…
When I’m in the market for a tenor I was thinking of trying to find a same era Martin or a Yamaha 61 tenor.

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