Expert: Ramon Wodkowski - 8/6/2009

Question
QUESTION: I was left an Alto Saxaphone that was made for John Hawkes of Hawkes musical instruments in 1928 the seriel number that is on the sax is 55118 allthough the certificate reads instrument number 55543, It is in its original case and has reeds etc with it. It was left to my brother by Hawkes son, and my brother passed away 4 1/2 years ago and left it to me, Is it possible for you you to advise me value ete,
Many thanks

ANSWER: Hello Ian

Vintage saxophones are not my speciality but I think I can help point you in the right direction.

Can you tell me what exactly is marked on the Saxophone, words, letters, numbers?

If it is a High Pitch instrument I can tell you straight away that it will be pretty much worthless to anyone, so take a look and see if you can find HP or LP anywhere on it.

From my knowledge Hawkes & Son saxophones are not sought after so the value wont be much at all compared to other vintage makes.  The certificate wont help you much as the numbers dont match.

Ive checked with a sax specialist and he thinks you wont get more than a few hundred pounds for  it, maybe slightly more to the right people - he agreed that you should pursue collectors, not players.  I myself as a Hawkes specialist would be keen to see it - more so for the certificate and case, reeds, etc.

For selling I think you would be best trying to sell it on ebay or through a dealer who specializes in older instruments like Howarth in London, although they do charge commission so it might not be worth it with something of such low value.  Also private ads online would be another option.  There is certainly a market for this saxophone, problem is its a small group of collectors you are aiming at, best to get the right exposure for it when selling.




R Wodkowski





---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: I have checked the certificate and on it reads:Instrument No 55543,Year of manufacture 1928, Pitch Low, Type Saxaphone, Finish B, Key E L ( small L), For workmanship & general efficiency (signature) F. Mawrill works manager, For artistic perfection tone & tune (signature) B.Manton-Myatt head tester, cetificate No 2081. If you would like to see it arrangments can be made.
Thankyou for your reply
Ian

ANSWER: Hi Ian

I wonder what the story is with your saxophone as the serial number on the instrument and certificate do not match...very interesting.  

For your info - Brian Manton Myatt was the big man at Boosey and Hawkes, one of the head designers - all clarinets and saxophones had to pass through his hands before being released to the public.  He was responsible for the creation of the 926 and 1010 clarinet, so a very important person in the history of British wind instrument production.

Where are you based?  Im in London, would be keen to examine your saxophone if possible, havent seen many Hawkes altos.

What are your plans for this saxophone?

Thanks

Ramon

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Ramon
Thanks for your quick reply, I live in Brandon Suffolk, I am going to Poland tomorrow but I am back on monday, My plans for the sax is to find the value and to decide wether to sell it. We can arrange for you to examine the sax, I am available any time as I am retired. Look forward to hearing from you.
Best regards
Ian

Answer
Thanks Ian

For a definite value I would contact Howarth in London, woodwind specialists.  Their sax technician Sebastian is very knowledgable, but the real expert is Jon Steward, legendary repair technician based there.  He is one of the very few people remaining who know these instruments well.

Let me know if you bring it to London, would love to see it

Take care

Ramon