Can anyone tell me about this Buffet Soprano? What model?

[Saxaholic]

A buddy of mine has a Buffet Crampon soprano saxophone. It is in silver plate and is really quite nice, he bought it for $150 when it was really dirty and beat up. After an overhaul, some pads, and a nice polish, it looks brand new. However, I'm curious to the model of it, as he does not know either. This is the information engraved on the horn.

Evette & Schaeffer
Ame M Buffet Crampon & Co.
18+20 Passage du 9rd Cerf Paris

Serial # 18535 which places it approximately in 1972.
Anyone have any information on this soprano?

[MBushaw]

The Buffet serial numbers can be mis-leading. They had a fire that destroyed most of their records so they started over on their numbers.
Does the horn look like the ones here?

http://www.saxpics.com/buffet/early_evette_schaeffer.htm

If not, check out the rest of Pete's www.saxpics.com pages, I'm sure you'll find it and much information too.

[singlereed]

That serial number could have applied to a more modern horn (e.g. a SuperDynaction) whereas the name on yours more likely places it as a horn from the early part of the 20th Century - say 1920 or thereabouts.

[Saxaholic]

I checked out the info from the link, it looks like its a series IV horn. Thanks for all the useful help!!

[russps]

My soprano is in the "early evette" section. You can see the pics at http://www.saxpics.com/the_gallery/buffet/early_evete/soprano/brass/251_russelschneider/

The s/n on mine is 251. Keywork to high F, apogee keys, automatic (not split) octave mech.

Russ