[Mark J]

Can anyone tell me what model/age conn is shown in the attached photos? The serial number is M130xxx.
Many thanks,
Mark

 

[ZephyrSax]

That is called a New Wonder Series II, often called a "Chu Berry."

Take a look at www.saxpics.com ...

 

[Mark J]

Thanks for the quick response. Can it be a New Wonder Series II if it has that serial number?
Mark

 

[ZephyrSax]

It is, yes. Check the G# key, which has a sort of "nail-file" texture. That's the give-away.

And no problem! These New Wonder Series IIs were produced between...oh, about 1925 to 1930, I think.

 

[Mark J]

Interestingly, the saxpics site suggests that the New Wonder series II started in 1924 with 143xxx serial numbers. The 130xxx number on this sax would make it a new wonder series I. But as you say it has the nail-file G#.
Is there some doubt about the reliability of the conn serial number charts?
Thanks again for your help.
Mark

 

[Jonathan C.]

I tend not to doubt the relibitly on the Charts.
The only possibilty I can think of, and this is just an opinion that may NOT be right.
I don't think it is unusual for instrument makers when changing products to slowly (or quickly) change the products to that make. Dubbed Transitional models, probably for that reason. They transition from one period of horn making to another. If in fact your horn was in the latter part of 1924 it would probably exhibit the charistics of a Chu Berrry or Series II horn.
Thats the only thing I can think of.
I am courious as to other more highly respected opinions though.
~Carbs

 

[bruce bailey]

Another difference is the octave key lever. On a series I it would be a teardrop shape whereas a series II would be more of an inverted Y shape.

 

[Mark J]

New wonder series I or II??

Any further thoughts based on the attached photos?

 

[xax]

What does the additional engaving (below the Conn logo) say?

 

[Mark J]

The name of the saxophone store in the UK - long since gone!

 

[Chu-Jerry]

Looks every bit like a New Wonder series 2. It is the earliest serial number I've heard of though for one. I've seen NW series1 with serial numbers higher than that. Are you sure you're reading it correctly? I see that it's been buffed and lacquered. Could the '3' actually be an '8' that's lost some of its detail, or stamped at an angle so that one side was lost?

 

[Jaice Singer DuMars]

Check out the UK-done engraving! They must've had a deal with the Conn factory to send over un-engraved horns. Cool. Incidentally, I am with Jerry on this... seems very early to be a completely NW 2 horn.

 

[bruce bailey]

It also has the Chu octave lever. I have seen a 146,000 soprano that is a series I. I agree that there may be a misread of the 3.

 

[Mark J]

Yes thanks to everyone for the advice. Having looked at the serial number again, the second digit is not that clear but it could be a 9 and not a 3. That would explain it!