[Obelix]

Have in front of me a silver plated Selmer Alto S/N 12137.
It has been usedby a local marching band 50-60 years ago. Sometimes in 1940-ies.

The bell holes are on the opposite side. Looks like something Charlie Parker may have played.
It's dirty. I would say needs all the pads, and all the springs replaced. Also, the bell pads are not in center, indicating it may have been dropped on the bell.

Still it has a lot of charm...

Can anyone shed some light on the horn (I.E. series, year of manufacture, value)

Regards,

 

[Dave Dolson]

One site showed 1930 . . . Selmer Super Sax (aka Cigar Cutter if it has that little hole in the octave-key connector). My "Cutter" is serial 16XXX and most lists show it to be 1932. DAVE

 

[Obelix]

One site showed 1930 . . . Selmer Super Sax (aka Cigar Cutter if it has that little hole in the octave-key connector). My "Cutter" is serial 16XXX and most lists show it to be 1932. DAVE

Cheers Dave,

No hole. Maybe I'm not looking correctly. I remember playing this horn 25 years ago. It had a dark and rich tone.
It's now a mini project for a good technician.

If I take it, and repair it, I would not sell it anyway, but wondering if it's worth repairing (value wise) ?

 

[JazzDaddy]

My cousin, put my 17,XXX Paris Selmer back together. It really sings well and free blowing (I use a small chamber Meyer on it). But it obviously does not have the fingering and reach of newer horns.

 

[Dave Dolson]

Look at the whole octave mechanism . . . there may be a flat plate with a smallish (1/4") hole in the center about the size of the tip of a GOOD cigar. This plate connects two parts of the mechanism above the octave touch and just below the neck-socket. While the horn maybe a "Selmer Super Sax", the presence or absence of the "cigar cutter" hole probably means little - I don't know when they added that to the SSS line. Also, on the bell you may find "SSS" in script just below the MADE IN FRANCE stamping.

These are wonderful saxophones. Mine is a real player with maybe more resonance than any other alto I've played. Mine is a gold-plated horn with the original finish, albeit a bit rough in spots.

If the one you are writing were mine, I'd pay a pretty penny to fix 'er up. I over-paid for mine (from a local store years ago) but I wanted it and it was worth it to me. I've played it at many a gig. Yours is most likely not some old clunker worthy of hanging on some restaurant's wall. DAVE

 

[Obelix]

Thanks guys,

after your feedback, I googled it too.
Apparently it's not a cigar cutter. Also the engraving is a bit different from the cigar cutter samples.

It's not mine.
I may be able to discuss the ownership, as it is just rotting in the basement of the disbanded marching band with the rest of the instruments.
I want it and would be happy to pay the price they ask.
It may be complicated, as there is no clear ownership any more.

 

[Obelix]

I already have a silver plated Mark VII which works great for me, but this would be great to have too.
And here is a photo of the engraving:

 

[DavidW]

It's probably what is considered a new largebore (between the Modele 26 and Selmer Super Sax).

 

[Dave Dolson]

It would clean up very nicely, and most likely play like a dream. DAVE

 

[Obelix]

I played it before and it played well, but it would require a full rebuild. It's only on loan to me.
I borrowed it along with a working Weltclang tenor, because it was tossed on the pile of the cheap brass instruments (no box either), and I felt quite unhappy that it's fading away like that.
I'll try to buy it, but there is no clear ownership, since the band fell apart.

DaveW - I googled the serial number and it seems a "Super Selmer" but it's not the cigar cutter.
Also the tripple S engraving is simpler in comparison to the photos I could see, but the serial number slots it into the Super Selmer" 1930 as per Dave's original feedback.

 

[Dave Dolson]

I've heard of animal rescues, now you've added "saxophone rescue" to what good people should do. An honorable thing, indeed.

I'd make a low-ball offer considering the expense you'd have to absorb to put this horn right, assuming there is someone with the authority to accept such an offer. If someone had the authority to toss it, they probably have the authority to accept a small contribution. Rather than just toss it on the junk-pile, it shouldn't matter what they get for it. DAVE

 

[mike_s]

its what is refered to as a new largbore, its essentally a selmer super, with the earlier neck tenon and the not as nice octave. also it may not have a side f sharp guard. i have worked on quite a few early altos and based upon my experience i feel the super design (bore/keywork) sort of came together around serial 9,xxx. they play well and are increidbly resonant altos...

 

[Obelix]

Cheers, for the feedback Mike.
I did play it for a while and it played well, but I bought new MK VII then which played better and returned this one.

A rescue it is as I already have an Alto
I'll ask and see what would happen. I'm happy to pay a good price for it. We'll see. I'll see the guy for drinks in two days.
It may be "just keep it" or "sorry, I'm not authorised to sell/give it away". Fingers crossed...

 

[DavidW]

Be sure to ask after you buy him drinks

 

[Steve Stockham]

Again, don't go overboard! This isn't a SBA or a MK VI! (I'm not saying that it isn't worth fixing up!) The condition of the horn would be such that more than an initial offering of $250 would be waaay too much! Remember, they were tossing it on the junk pile! If you get them interested in the instrument, you'll only add to their counter-offer or even nix the deal altogether! Personally, I'd go for the "personal" angle as you'd played this instrument long ago. There's a reason that won't rouse avaricious suspicions!

 

[mike_s]

agreed, people ask some pretty stupid money for these, and they dont' sell high. 1200 to 1500 fixed up and playing is fair and what these seem to sell for, factor in the cost of an overhaul/restoration and there you go.

 

[Obelix]

Thanks guys.
It all makes sense.
I was also thinking to pay up to $500 for the horn as is.
$800 for the overhaul, $200-$300 for the new case...

So working towards $1500-$1800 all up.
I'm not hoping to make money, and I would not lie if I show a "personal" angle.

I'll let you know of the outcome.

Cheers,

 

[dzve]

It
s a little gem & worth playing......

 

[Obelix]

Meeting delayed indefinitely...however needs to be resoved before 27th of October. Fingers crossed...

 

[Obelix]

So, I'm now a proud owner of this great horn.
Happy, happy, happy

I'm not going to part with it ever .

I would like to get a correct set of pads for it.
Anyone knows what kind of pads should go on it?
That is , plastic resonators, metal, no resonators?