Antique Musical Instruments/Pedler Clarinet

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Expert: - 2/4/2006


Question
I read a previous posting about a Pedler metal clarinet.  I just purchased a Pedler Co. Wooden clarinet.  Did the Pedler company stop making clarinets when they were purchased by Selmer in 1958?  Does that make this one an antique?  Where can I find out more about when it was made?

Answer
Hi Dennis,

Unfortunately, as what frequently happens when a company goes out of business, the records aren't kept.  So, to my knowledge there exists no serial number list that would help date your clarinet.  

I think the company sort of phased out of existance starting with Pedler's retirement in 1930.  John Martin (Martin Band Instrument Co.) ran the woodwind division for a while, and they changed the name to the Pedler Company in 1936, from the Henry Pedler Co.  So, if yours says The Pedler Co., then you know it was made after 1936.  

kms

Antique Musical Instruments

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Kenton Scott

Expertise

Please note: My area is BRASS instruments, not other wind, string or percussion instruments. I will provide information on antique, obscure and out of production BRASS instruments. 1) Please don't ask for evaluations, I'll not provide them on this site. 2) I am often asked very similar questions, so I'd invite you to first check on Horn-u-Copia.net. Much of the information I have garnered about this topic, I have posted on this WEB site.

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I perform in several historical bands, have informally researched the area, repair brass instruments, and operate a Forum dedicated to the topic at http://horn-u-copia.net

Education/Credentials
B.S. Ed, M.S.

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