Expert: Kenton Scott - 10/9/2005

Question
Hello!
I have a wooden clarinet that was given to me about 15 years ago by a woman who played it in school as a child. It's in pretty good condition now, and I play it from time to time. However, I'm just starting out & with renter's insurance in mind, I'd like to know how much it's worth. (i.e., is it worth more than the risk of keeping in my apartment?) When I took it to a repair shop about 10 years ago, the technician mentioned that it was probably worth more than my plastic Buffet. But I don't remember precisely how much he said & of course now I can't track him down.
The bell is stamped with: "BUNDY Reg. U.S. Pat. Off. Made by Selmer Elkhart, Indiana." The serial number is 34451. However, the "1" looks strange. It could be a capital i or a lower case l or it could have been an afterthought that someone scratched in. I'm not sure.
I've tried to research it online with little success. And before I cart it off to local dealers, I'd like a little background info.

Thank you!

Answer
I really don't know much about woodwinds (I do brass instruments), but Selmer purchased Buescher in 1963, and Selmer started using the Bundy name.  Bundy was a second line of the Selmers.  So, my estimation is that being that it is an wooden clarinet - assuming it is not cracked or otherwise damaged - would make it worth more than your plastic one.  

But, I'm afraid that I can't be much more help than that.

kms