Expert: Kenton Scott - 8/28/2006

Question
I have a clarinet that I'm told originally belonged to a member of
the Cleveland Orchestra in its early years. It appears to be silver
plated since it has tarnished. On the bell it says, "The Virginian"
below which it says "Made in America." On the other end of the
clarinet is what appears to be a serial number "C 5353." I have
searched hundreds of internet sites looking for a Virginian
clarinet but found nothing. Do you know anything about this
clarinet or where I might be able to find any information?
Thanks.

Answer
My area is not woodwinds, and I have not heard of The Virginian as a brand.  I   would suspect that it was a rebranded stencil and sold by a music store.

It may have belonged to a member of the orchestra, but probably only when he/she was were a young student.  Metal clarinets are not held in high regard so it would be very unlikely to be used in a professional organization.