Expert: Ramon Wodkowski - 8/8/2009

Question
I RECENTLY PURCHASED AN 1877 BUFFET CRAMPONE CO.{A PARIS}CLAIRONET. IT IS A WOODEN 4 PIECE MEASURING 27" WHEN ASSEMBLED.IN VERY GOOD CONDITION WITH ORIGINAL CASE {PATENTED SEPT.18,1877}. IS THIS A RARE PIECE? IF SO,COULD YOU GIVE A ROUGH ESTIMATE OF IT'S MONETARY VALUE?

Answer
Hello Darryl

I have seen a few of these clarinets floating around, they are very rare.  Is it Boehm system?  Problem with them is they are very old now and considered antiques, definitely not to be played as they as are very primitive compared to a 20th century made clarinet and fragile; definitley a piece for collectors.  You may find some interest from period players, people who specialize in playing antique clarinets.

Value is very hard to say as Ive seen them sell for prices between £200 - 2000.  

I would suggest contacting dealers who specialise in these clarinets, in the UK Howarth of London are probably your best bet as they do get them in from time to time.

If you would like an exact historical history try contacting the curator of the University of Edinburgh museum of instruments, might be of some help.  

Contact me via my website if you would like some help with this, I do know some people who may be able to help you identify it more precisely.

Thanks

Ramon Wodkowski

www.ramonwodkowski.com