What worth a Stratford Tenor?

[Atfer]

Hello. I have found this interesting stencil sax. It is a stratford Tenor and what is written in the back is

PATD.DEC.8.1914
1119954
T
P21409
L

The bell says :
Stratford
U.S.A.

I really need help to identify it and how much it really worth!

Thank you! (there is some picture of it)

[bruce bailey]

1920s Conn stencil. Same as a Pan-American, no rolled tone holes. Probably a decent horn. If all the pads are as good as the ones on the bell, probably in the $400-500 range.

[JackThe7th]

Ive been wondering forever, what do they mean stencil?

My guess - not an actual version of the said instrument, but a close replica.

[Atfer]

Ive been wondering forever, what do they mean stencil?

My guess - not an actual version of the said instrument, but a close replica.

Yes, your guess is right. If you have a buscher true tone stencil, that mean they a compagnie bought the buescher true tone plan and build their own with their name. It is the same sax, but made in a cheaper way (with cheaper material). But we can't say that cheap saxophone made in china are stencil of the Mark IV because they haven't made an agreement.

someone rectify me if I'm wrong :p

[DavyRay]

Ive been wondering forever, what do they mean stencil?

My guess - not an actual version of the said instrument, but a close replica.

Yes, your guess is right. If you have a buscher true tone stencil, that mean they a compagnie bought the buescher true tone plan and build their own with their name. It is the same sax, but made in a cheaper way (with cheaper material). But we can't say that cheap saxophone made in china are stencil of the Mark IV because they haven't made an agreement.

someone rectify me if I'm wrong :p

Close, but not quite.
A stencil was typically an instrument sold at a music store or distributor. They had their own brand name. They got a major manufacturer (Conn, in this case) to make them unbranded instruments. They then put their own engraving and brand name on them. The 'stencil' instruments sometimes were exactly like the major brand horns, but usually were a bit simpler (to save cost). This means leaving off special features, like rolled tone holes.

[FremontSax]

I was trying to avoid further hijacking this thread but a stencil is where a sax sold by company A was made by company B. But company B didn't put their logo on the horn. Either company B put company A's logo or company A put company A's logo. This putting the logo on was done using a stencil hence the label of stencil.

I own an Olds Ambassador that was made by Martin and is a Martin Indiana. It seems to have a serial number that matches the Martin Indian Serial Number sequence. It has most of the features of a Martin Indiana such as the beveled tone holes (but not an adjustable thumb rest).

A stencil could be made with the same material and same features as the original or it could have reduced quality of material and features. In general stencils have a lower market value then their cousins.

If I am wrong or my explanation needs extending please do. I apologize for the further hijacking of this thread.

[bruce bailey]

The Conn stencils (and their Pan-American line) in the 30s were basically the same as the regular Conns with the following exceptions: No rolled tone holes, no rear Eb, usually no G# trill and not microtuner (altos and C Melodies). One thing I have noticed is that the stencils have thinner plating and are usually not offered in fancy finishes. I have a tranny stencil (Sherwood) that even has the pivot set screws and plays as well as any Conn I have owned. Stencils are a great way to get a nice horn for about half the money. On the downside, if it needs a rebuild, it costs as much as the brand name thus it is not wise to put $500 into a stencil if you can find a regular horn that is priced low enough.

[Atfer]

The Conn stencils (and their Pan-American line) in the 30s were basically the same as the regular Conns with the following exceptions: No rolled tone holes, no rear Eb, usually no G# trill and not microtuner (altos and C Melodies). One thing I have noticed is that the stencils have thinner plating and are usually not offered in fancy finishes. I have a tranny stencil (Sherwood) that even has the pivot set screws and plays as well as any Conn I have owned. Stencils are a great way to get a nice horn for about half the money. On the downside, if it needs a rebuild, it costs as much as the brand name thus it is not wise to put $500 into a stencil if you can find a regular horn that is priced low enough.

Thanks for these informations! But the sax is for my girlfriend. We are both playing sax and we only have one Tenor. And because we both prefer Tenor sax, I was looking for a cheap and good playing sax.