[clodius]

I picked up an early 1930's Conn Transitional alto sax a couple weeks ago at a yard sale. It came in this black case that is probably the original case the horn came in.

However, I also have a New Wonder alto in a case that is a Conn case but not the original case for that horn.

I am getting ready to take both horns up to have the Transitional rebuilt and put the NW for sale on consignment. Before I do that I wanted to get your opinions on whether the black case is the original case for the Transitional or if the brown case that came with the NW is perhaps the correct case style for the transitional.

Thanks so much, I really appreciate the amazing amount of knowledge here.

 

[clodius]

The black case is from a 1930 to mid 30s and the brown one is probably around 1950-60.

T

he brown case was likely purchased around the same time the NW got it lacquer job.

 

[clodius]

IMNSHO, any horn worth overhauling is worth the best case you can find for it.

I really like the SKB PRO contoured case I got for my Zephyr tenor. If this ends up being a horn that I use I will probably get that case or something similar.

 

[clodius]

Well you already got your answer, but yes:

Conn "New Wonder II" Transitional Alto Saxophone

This is an early example of a so-called "Transitional" New Wonder model alto saxophone made by the C.G. Conn, Ltd. in 1930. Elkhart, Indiana. The transition was between the New Wonder model horns and what Conn called its "Artist" model, but players refer to as "Naked Lady" or "Ladyface"...

flic.kr

I guess the cool thing to do back then was to cover your case with college stickers.
My case has stickers from hotels in Seattle and Portland, which seems a step down in coolness.

thanks