Not being a clarinet player, I will be describing this 'Buffet Crampon & Cie', vintage instrument in as much detail as I can. There is a lot of information which must be explained to a proposed buyer.
Anyone, who is interested in this instrument, might already know a lot of the incidentals I will be describing, so please bear with me.
Firstly, I believe that this clarinet is made of rosewood. If you feel that this is wrong, please let me know,
Secondly, I believe that it is from 1912, because the serial number is "1H 175" (see photograph).
The mouthpiece, which doesn't seem to have a name on it, seems to be comparatively new. It does not have a reed clamp or a reed.
The clarinet is in four pieces, not counting the mouthpiece.
Each wooden section is stamped with the company logo. The top, barrel-shaped wooden section, says, "BUFFET CRAMPON & CIE, initials BCC, A PARIS" (within an oval of dots), then, "MADE IN FRANCE". There is a musical image of a lyre, above the oval. Below the Oval are the words, "MADE IN FRANCE". The next wooden section , down, reads, "BUFFET, CRAMPON & CIE, A PARIS", within an oval with a lyre above, and a scroll below. Under the scroll, "MADE IN FRANCE". The third wooden section has another oval reading, "BUFFET, CRAMPON & CIE, A PARIS". At the very bottom, is the serial # 1H 175. This number, I believe, designates, 1912. The photographs of the ovals of information on the clarinet, do not do them justice. The fourth wooden section has a lyre at the top, then the same oval, in which is stamped, "BUFFET CRAMPON & CIE, A PARIS, THEN C. FISCHER NEW YORK, and then two large letters, "L P". "C. FISCHER, is, obviously, a distributor of these fine instruments. All of the keys and rings around the horn seem to be nickle-plated, and are in excellent condition.
The wood, throughout the clarinet, has no cracks or breaks. Inside the horn, as you can see by the photo, there seem to be minute chips in the outside of the horn wood, under the metal ring. These may have been there when the horn was made. I have not touched the horn, to clean it or alter it, in any way. It is VERY original. You might need to put new pads. It hasn't been played for quite a long time. I have not shown this to any dealers. The cork between the second and third sections is not tight - it may need a new cork cylindrical piece. If I were a serious player of clarinets, I would take my time and check every piece of this instrument, to make it a true museum piece. I don't think that it will need much to make it a great player. The wood is exquisite, and has not been refinished. You might just want to keep it that way.
I have sold many musical instruments, throughout the years. I am a keyboard entertainer, and I've collected unusual instruments for fifty years. I'm sorry. I can't remember where I purchased this wonderful piece. I have sold pianos owned by Carmen Cavallero, horns owned by Bobby Vinton, Jack Teagarden, Don Goldie, Louie Armstrong. Also clarinets owned by Henry Questa, and Barney Bigard. I believe I bought this in Florida in an auction, years ago.
Please note, that I have been a collector, not a dealer. I have known many entertainers since the fifties, and bought much musical memorabilia from them and their estates.
This instrument is a classic. I am placing a fair opening bid on this clarinet. If you are a connoisseur of clarinets, you might just be looking at a treasure.
If there are any questions you might have, please feel free to ask them. I am very communicative. I don't mind returning items, but when I'm selling a quality item, such as this, I expect you to read everything carefully, and assume that I am not hiding anything from you. I am a serious and honest ebayer. My feedbacks speak to that.
Also, please put me on your favorite sellers list - I will be selling my fifty year old collection of music, jazz, vaudeville, Louis Armstrong, Jack Teagarden, literature, folk and fine art, paintings, history, signatures, etc., etc.
Thanks for looking.