1925 Nickel-Plated Conn Tenor Saxophone

Description

Here is an interesting old Conn tenor saxophone complete with a factory original, wooden shell, form-fitted case, which one doesn’t see too often--I've only seen these cases in pictures and this is the first one I've owned in 30 years of collecting.  Serial number 151XXX, this low-pitched (modern tuning, A=440 Hz) sax was built in 1925 and comes in a finish that Conn called "heavy nickel plate".  This particular horn appears to be somewhat of a transitional instrument in that it bears the “arrow feather” shaped octave key mechanism for the left thumb—as one would expect from a horn of this vintage and serial number (New Wonder series II); however, the G# key for left pinky finger is not nail-file, cross-hatched but is plain like the New Wonder series I saxophones.  Also, the left-hand palm keys are in the older series I style.  In any event, the saxophone was overhauled with domed metal resonators and fresh pads within the past year and is playing very nicely.  Of course, this horn has rolled tone holes with simple engraving on the bell reading “C.G. Conn Ltd, Elkhart, IND, USA”. No other ornate engraving is present. Though there are wear spots on the keys where the nickel-plating has worn through to the brass underneath, the plating is mostly intact.  There are a few minor pinpoint pings near the bell flare and in a few other spots but no major damage or dents; this almost 100-year-old horn is an old work horse with plenty of life still left in it--it'll last another hundred years if carefully handled.  All key rollers are freely spinning and there is only one modification to this horn where a post cap (or guide) was installed to hold the long rod for low C#/Db in place, as it kept slipping out of its cradle prior to the rebuild; if you didn’t know to look for it you might not even see it or realize it was not factory original.
The Conn form-fitted case is adorned with stickers associated with the Washington, D.C. area—such as the Burlington Hotel on Vermont Avenue at Thomas Circle.  Quite possibly this tenor saxophone was part of an orchestra based around the District of Columbia and might even have been used to entertain past presidents such as Calvin Coolidge, who knows?  Saxophone comes with a purple velour cloth (looks factory original) which was likely used to wrap the neck pipe before inserting it into the bell of the sax for storage.  Also includes a new ProTec Velcro black pouch to hold the neck pipe, mouthpiece, and neck strap—designed to slide inside the bell of the horn after playing.  The original Conn hard rubber mouthpiece and ligature are included to complete the package.  The form-fitted case is in fair-to-poor shape with plenty of scuffs and wear from many years’ use; the latches work but are loose; I would recommend storing this fine old Conn in a newer case, while tucking the old relic case in a closet.  Interesting and playable piece of American history.  Instrument will be carefully packed for safe shipment to new owner.  All sales final.  Thanks for looking!