Serial Numbers and Serial Number Research

[Pete]

My own website, www.saxpics.com, has a few esoteric serial number charts currently posted -- and a few I haven't. You can c'mon down for serial number charts for SML, A. Sax, Kohlert, and Dolnet (all are based on research, rather than serial numbers posted by the companies, themselves).

Here are a few other great websites I've found:

* Keilwerth and Modern Buffet,
http://www.boosey.com/Instruments/Service/FrameSerialnumbers.htm

* Vintage Buffet/Evette & Schaeffer,
http://www.saxophon-service.de/homep/baujahr/buffet01.htm

* Miscellaneous Serials (lots, and include the biggies: Conn, Buescher, King, Selmer, etc.):
http://www.musictrader.com/serialnos.html

* Couesnon:
Most vintage Couesnon horns, from appx. 1882 to appx. 1935, have a "grenade" on the bell with a number engraved in it. That number is the year built. Newer horns were made from appx. 1950 to appx. 1980, but I have yet to find a serial number chart for these years.

[ssgtjohn]

I have a tenor sax (Conn) and it has stenciling on the side, with shooting stars. The serial numbers are: N207xxx. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Leonard, J.

[Pete]

A military man!

John, you'd be better off looking in the Conn section -- this area's really to tell you where you can find serial number charts, etc., it's not a place to post questions about your horn.

Anyhow, I'll answer your question :).

Chances are extremely good that you have a Conn student model. These horns look like this (http://www.saxpics.com/the_gallery/conn/misc/436453240/c.jpg) (of course, in tenor shape).

There is a possibility that you have a Director model. These horns are intermediate models and you can find my write-up here (http://www.saxpics.com/conn/director.htm). Note the differences in keywork, particularly the chromatic F# key. Also note the wire key guards.

[lehtonale]

You have much knowledge about the different serial numbers. I bought my Selmer USA AS-100 (or AS-110) alto in 1990. I have tried to get information regarding the real model and manufacturing year sending the email and letter to the company in Illinois. But no answer. Have you maybe the answer. The serial number is #825xxx.