I've found a very odd Dolnet alto for sale on ebay. It appears to be a Studium (blurry pic) but does very clearly say Dolnet on the Bell, and has the Deco engraving. The keywork looks like an M70 (that is, like a Buffet S1 or a Selmer: the bell key rods come up to the pinky table on the right of the bell brace). There seems to be a high F#. Here's where it gets weird: the key guards aren't the half-octagonal Dolnet ones. They're more like those on some Noblets I've seen (as does the keywork), or even French Vitos. And the bell-brace is a Selmer-style ring. I'm waiting for the serial #.
I've noticed that a few later Mantes horns have this Selmer-like keywork, but it's always a bit different: the last (I'm assuming) Beaugnier Vitos, Noblet, the M70. I find it fascinating, but then I probably have too much time on my hands...
Any ideas, anyone? Is this an unknown treasure or a Frankensax? Any advice hugely appreciated.
I've noticed that a few later Mantes horns have this Selmer-like keywork, but it's always a bit different: the last (I'm assuming) Beaugnier Vitos, Noblet, the M70. I find it fascinating, but then I probably have too much time on my hands...
Any ideas, anyone? Is this an unknown treasure or a Frankensax? Any advice hugely appreciated.