Expert: Kenton Scott - 10/30/2006

Question
Hi, We came across an old alto sax body (no mouth piece) at a music store that our friend was closing down. It is so tarnished we don't know if it's brass, or silver, probably brass. It is made by C.G. Conn Ltd.Elkhart,Indiana,USA It
has 23 keys, some mother of pearl.There is an engraved filagree, scroll design around the manufacturers name.We appreciate any info you could give us. Thank You Johnny

Stamp engraved on back:
 Pat Dec 8,1914
    1119954
       A
    M197807
       L

Answer
I'm not sure about the M before what I suspect to be the serial number.  But, ignoring the M, the number would appear to date it to 1927.  The Patent refers to a key system on the instrument.  I don't know what the A is, but the L means that is plays in low pitch.  In other words, the same pitch as a modern band.  

Silver tends to tarnish black, and brass tends to tarnish brown.