Hi paulwl,
I remember some of your fine contributions here on SOTW and I learned a lot studying them.
Please allow me not to coincide with your conclusion.
Here is a functional link:
https://www.junkdude.com/ProductDetail.aspx?id_product=1808
Junkdude says: ... "Bell reads, 'Made by Couturier LaPorte Ind.' ... "
Could this be a fraudulent falsification?
If you compare a Couturier alto with a Martin 'handcraft' alto - both instruments holding in your hands - accurately side by side, you will figure out:
There are similiarities but Couturier and Martin saxophones are essentially different.
"I recommend not to rely on one feature alone as there are similiarities which can be found on saxophones of different manufacturers as well as differences which easily could be changed e.g. keyguards. Note that there are some positive related features but also features which exclude a LaPorte origin.
And of course there are features that can be identified on good photos but there are some - and that are the most reliable - which requires the real object of examination e.g. measurements of the body!
All LaPorte made saxophones
...
3. have thick simple bevelled toneholes (handcrafted, therefore slightly varying in shape) soldered onto the body. I call them „LaPorte Type" as most saxophones made since 1922 equipped with this type of bevelled toneholes were produced in LaPorte. Saxophones produced at the same time (twenties) by Martin have thick bevelled toneholes, too. But unlike those made in Laporte they have usually an inward sloping rim.
What makes things more complicated: Martin saxophones made between 1918 and ca.1921 and some stencils are lacking this feature, they look like the LaPorte type ones! So not all saxophones with 'LaPorte Type' toneholes are made in LaPorte! Vice versa: Saxophones with toneholes other than 'LaPorte Type' are not made in LaPorte.
4. have serial numbers in the range of 6,xxx and 19,xxx as well as 200,xxx and 203,xxx (except Holton Collegiate I which are not considered here). Possibly there are very rare exceptions. Still researching.
5. All numbers are written in a straight line e.g. with an „A" above for alto saxophone and an „L" beneath for „Low Pitch". There never can be found the term „LOW PITCH" like stamped on Martin made saxophones. Since 1926 (1925 on the 'Perfect Curved Soprano') "PAT APPLD FOR" was supplemented.
6. LaPorte made saxophone bodies are larger bored than any other contemporary make. Trying (e.g.) to fix a martin neck on a LaPorte saxophone, you will be very surprised how much the difference in diameter is!
7. LaPorte made saxophone bodies (comparing examinations on numerous alto saxophones) are longer than any other make. Accordingly their necks are shorter (otherwise they would have a pitch which is much too low). ... ." #68; The Forgotten American Manufacturer
http://i546.photobucket.com/albums/hh411/LaPorte1922/Bildschirmfoto2009-10-1018-42-40.jpg
The saxophones made by Couturier is a historically and physically evidenced fact.
A Martin made Couturier saxophone does not exist.
Is there a connecting link between the two companies?
Yes, there is: William J. Gronert
http://forum.saxontheweb.net/showthread.php?146663-William-J.-Gronert