HAWKES & SON Vintage Albert System Metal Clarinet "XX Century" about 1900 -1925

Description

Hawkes & Son
was founded in 1865 by William Henry Hawkes. In
1925
, he had set up an instrument factory in Edgware, North London.  They started to produce his instruments, and the business was particularly known for brass and military band music. They settled in London, on Denman Street, Piccadilly Circus.
Hawkes & Son
merged with his rival company
Boosey and Co
. in October
1930
.  They formed the Boosey & Hawkes Co.   So, Hawkes & Son moved from its office in
Denman Street to join the Boosey staff at 295 Regent Street
. After this date, the new company started to produce all instruments under the name of Boosey and Hawkes until 1986.
Thus, after this brief historical review, it is possible to locate the date of manufacture of this rare old clarinet between
1925 and 1930
. Actually very few
Hawkes and Son "XX Century"
models are available on the Internet, especially this rarer yet
"Albert" System 14 keys Bb metal clarinet.
An extensive search was made on the Web until I found this magnificent instrument. All pieces are matching with the same serial
number 14785, which dates to the early 1920`s.
This is probably
the finest extant example of a Hawkes & Son "XX Century" Albert System Bb clarinet left in the world today.
As described, the instrumet was in exceptional condition  after 100 years of age.
There was no need for repairs or exchange of springs or keys. Only pads and the nickel coating were renewed and a modern high quality mouthpiece (Vandoren B45) sand a Rovner Dark Ligature were installed.  Hand forged silver Keys, very strong in every way all joints and fastenings silver soldered and solid silver key barrels. The result of this quality is a superbly resonant Albert system clarinet, with excellent intonation.
This clarinet well suit a
Jazz player
looking to recreate the sounds associated with the great players from the 1920´s and 1930´s. It might also
appeal to a collector
. The instrument tunes well with the Vandoren mouthpiece or similar.
Benny Goodman played a silver clarinet in his early years.  Many great clarinet players from the golden years of New Orleans Jazz played wirth Albert system instruments. Today, all over the world cultists of pure jazz style still plady Albert system clarinets, both wooden and metal silver clarinets.
This fascinating subject is well presented in :
http://web.archive.org/web/20110305012642/http://usuarios.multimania.es/albertsystem/index.htm.
I recommend a visit and further studies on the Albert System clarinets and his importance in the world of Jazz.I offer for sale this unique instrument for 00. No offers are accepted. Howewer, I would consider exchanging for an excellent (mint condition) Bb Buffet Crampon intrermediate model in this price range.
Thank you !