VINTAGE BUFFET CRAMPON ALBERT SYSTEM CLARINET - Bb, HIGH PITCH - for RESTORATION

Description

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his listing is for a vintage Buffet Crampon & Cie Albert system clarinet. The serial number is 1H315, which indicates a c.1912 production date. This is a key of Bb clarinet. Please note that it is stamped "HP" for HIGH PITCH. This means it is tuned to A=455hz rather than A=440. Thus its usefulness will be limited when playing with other instrumentalists. For that reason, this probably falls more into the realm of a collector's item.
This instrument is in overall good physical condition, but it is not currently playable. It will require a full overhaul to be made playable. It is complete, with no missing parts. All four sections are original to each other, with matching Buffet logos on both main joints, bell, and barrel. I don't see any cracks, or previously repaired cracks, in the main joints or barrel. There are two cracks in the bell emanating from the top of the bell, and extending less than an inch downward. The bell is missing its upper tenon ring, so that is probably why these cracks started in the first place. Someone attempted to use a lyre ring in place of the tenon ring, but even with shimming it is too large. Once a proper sized tenon ring is fitted the cracks should be stable and not cause a problem. The ring at the bell flare is loose, so it turns freely. The tenon rings on the barrel are also loose, so need to be shimmed. The one on the upper joint is tight. There are some minor superficial chips on the upper joint, which I have pointed out in the pictures. The tone holes are in good condition. The keys are moving freely for the most part...only a couple are sluggish, but that is probably just down to gummed up old key oil. There is one broken key that will need to be re-soldered (see pic #7), but both parts of the key are present. The pads and corks are completely shot. The springs may still be alright.
This instrument comes with an unmarked (possibly original) wood mouthpiece. It is in good condition with a smooth facing, no cracks, and no tooth indentations. Also included are a ligature, cap, and lyre, but I doubt these items are original to the instrument.
This instrument comes in an unmarked period case. I'm not sure if it is original or not. It is in fair condition, or rather about what would be expected for being 100+ years old. The joints are coming apart on one side, and the outer covering is heavily worn, especially around the edges. Also, the red felt interior is 'shedding' a bit...when I first got it there was a red dust all over the clarinet. For that reason alone I would highly advise not using this case once the instrument has been restored.
Please feel free to message me with any questions.
Thanks again for looking!
Note to international buyers:
Due to the current global pandemic, international shipments via USPS mail are experiencing significant delays. This is due to lack of available transportation (ie. mail is normally carried overseas as cargo on commercial passenger flights, however the flight schedules have been slashed). European buyers have experienced wait times of up to 2 months for shipments to arrive. If this potential wait presents a problem for you, please refrain from purchasing at this time. I sincerely apologize for this, unfortunately unavoidable, inconvenience.