Description
This clarinet and case are in good condition. The pads are worn or missing and the mouthpeice is missing. The etching on the bell states:
Indiana ... then
The Indian Head....then
Indaina Band Inst....then
Elkhart, Ind.
There are a few numbers or letters stamped on the underside of the keys. There are two numbers stamped on the body where it connects to the bell. They are 12670 and 5771.
Can you give me an idea of its value and when it may have been made. This belongs to my daughter. It was given to her several years ago when she was in the middle school band. Now her high school band director is wanting purchase it. Thank you for any information you can give me
Re: Antique Clarinet
Indiana Band Instrument Co. was a subsidiary of Martin, building student grade instruments. They where formed in 1938 and where absorbed into martin in 1942.
These at auctions usually go for 150-175 american dollars. They are quite a find even missing pieces. I would suggest finding a collector. Some collectors will pay up to 300-400 american dollars for these. Others buy them, do to the silver incorperated into the instrument to get smelted and sold for the silver content. This makes these a rare find. I hope this helps.
Re: Antique Clarinet
I appreciate your comment. My daughter's band teacher wanted to buy the clarinet for 20 dollars. Then it increased to 50. On March 17th, he finally said he would pay 100 dollars for it. Since I bought it for a dollar at a thrift store, I will let my daughter decided what she wants to do.. Thanks again for your comment.
Keith
Re: Antique Clarinet
Here's some more precise data on your clarinet. In late 1928, O.P.Bassett, majority owner of the Martin Band Instrument Co, and my grandfather Fred Holtz incorporated The Indiana Band Instrumnet Co as a wholly owned 'paper' entity within Martin. In 1930, they acquired the Harry Pedler Co (their neighbor across Baldwin St) in Elkhart Indiana. Peddlar had specialized in clarinets and was especially known for their metal models. I would suspect that your horn was made in 1930-31 , in that metal clarinets reached their peak and dwindled after that. You can find more information on SaxontheWeb.net forum. Look in the Martin subforum and the 'bit of Martin Family History' thread.
C. Holtz
Head2wind