Expert: jack wiard - 1/7/2012

Question
Hi Jack.
I recently bought a Leblanc LL clarinet in an auction, I have stripped it down and reserviced it, the serial number is 25974, could you please tell me what year this was manufactured and give me an approx value for sale. aslo I have a Selmer Signet Special Serial Number 86718. could you also tell me the same for this, i do not want to sell them as I love them both, but would like to know the info and values, could you also give me your opinion what is the better clarinet, I am leaning towards the selmer at the moment because it seems to have a lot mellow and gentler tone.
Thank you Very much.
John

Answer
Hello John...My apologies for not getting to your answer sooner...We are updating our computer and I usually don't use 'cafes' to respond to this list...The closest date of manufacture for your LL is 1976...I have not played an LL but I see only good reports for this pro level clarinet...If overhauled , it could be worth $700-900...People don't like paying big bucks for 35 yr. old clarinets, but if in excellent condition,, I would pay that much for one...the Selmer Signet on Ebey these days seems to fetch as little as $60 to up to $300, depending on condition..I could find no specific list but a clarinet with a number a few thousand off yours [1975] was on sale at $170.    CHEERS,    JACK