Expert: Kenton Scott - 10/3/2006

Question
When my mother died she had an old silver-looking clarinet with a beaten up old case in her possession. It says "Windsor, Elkhart - IND, USA  #40678 on it and it is one long piece. Do you have any info?

Answer
Several companies used the tradename Windsor, but since yours also says Elkhart, then it is a horn made by Buescher.    The serial number list I have says that it would have been made in 1918.  

The silver clarinets were an experiment in trying to make a horn that was less affected by weather and cheaper to make.  They were not well accepted by clarinet players.  I'm surprised at the age of yours,  I didn't realize they went back that far.