Saxophones Any Kohlert players here ?

[Woodpad]

I have a tenor in storage that looks like a Kohlert but has no engraving. According to a possibly correct serial number chart and assuming it is a Kohlert, the year is 1928. Type of Bell body brace and a typewriter G# key are simular to a 1928 alto. In the 1929 model both elements change. Reacting to a post from PigSqueeler on a 1955 model I dug it up and made two pictures.It is not on this years renovation list, but it is an interesting one.

 

[thomsax]

I have a tenor in storage that looks like a Kohlert but has no engraving. According to a possibly correct serial number chart and assuming it is a Kohlert, the year is 1928. Type of Bell body brace and a typewriter G# key are simular to a 1928 alto. In the 1929 model both elements change. Reacting to a post from PigSqueeler on a 1955 model I dug it up and made two pictures.It is not on this years renovation list, but it is an interesting one.View attachment 32672View attachment 32673

What is engraved on the bell? I have a Kohlert built "Pennsylvania" close to the sax above. From the early 30's.

 

[Woodpad]

What is engraved on the bell? I have a Kohlert built "Pennsylvania" close to the sax above. From the early 30's.

No engraving on the bell, therefore it is a bit of a dark horse. But the combination of this bell brace and the G# key is comparable to a known Kohlert alto from 1928. Has your Pennsylvania a comparable body bell brace?

 

[thomsax]

Yes, turned body - bell brace on all old Kohlert I've seen.

 

[PigSquealer]

I have a tenor in storage that looks like a Kohlert but has no engraving. According to a possibly correct serial number chart and assuming it is a Kohlert, the year is 1928. Type of Bell body brace and a typewriter G# key are simular to a 1928 alto. In the 1929 model both elements change. Reacting to a post from PigSqueeler on a 1955 model I dug it up and made two pictures.It is not on this years renovation list, but it is an interesting one.View attachment 32672View attachment 32673

I don’t know much about the years & models. I think a 57 was made in 1957 ?
@helen or @milandro will likely have some information to offer.
I think yours has lots of Kolhert flavor. Any signs of the bell repairs ? Like damaged, repaired, buffed smooth and replated ??

 

[Woodpad]

I don’t know much about the years & models. I think a 57 was made in 1957 ?
@helen or @milandro will likely have some information to offer.
I think yours has lots of Kolhert flavor. Any signs of the bell repairs ? Like damaged, repaired, buffed smooth and replated ??

There is damage, but no sign of repairs. I don't think it is buffed smooth. It is just an old instrument without engraving, but with a serial number. As it is complete it will be a nice project. 1928 seems possible. The slightly different curve in the crook compared to the 1955 instrument is not impossible as they are 27 years apart.

 

[milandro]

Hello Kohlert 57 is indeed originated in 1957 , the horn in the pictures is certainly much older.1928 is certainly possible

the charts should be here

https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&opi=89978449&url=http://www.saxpics.com/%3Fv%3Dser%26manID%3D11&ved=2ahUKEwj--a_js6ySAxWh9rsIHXSBKJIQFnoECAwQAQ&usg=AOvVaw0J682Mwa_zqa5YtCsyhIS2

but at the moment I can't open the page

 

[Pete Thomas]

but at the moment I can't open the page

This link may work better:

Kohlert Serial Number Chart :: SaxPics.com

www.saxpics.com

 

[PigSquealer]

@milandro @Pete Thomas thanks to you both !
Wow, I’ve just experienced a momentary event of memory loss !!
Duh, Sax Pics (Pete Hale) has a great timeline SN# list. The “57” #41xxx @Tuppertn i just serviced is definitely a ….Doh, 1957!
André great to see you ! Thanks for replying. Happy New Year 😊!
@Pete Thomas , thanks for the clean link !
@Woodpad , this horn is worthy. Push aside the boring/ commonplace on your 2026 list. Honestly the oddballs are rewarding to breathe new life into. There’s just something special about playing music on old ones.
Critics have always seeked perfection. Bla, bla, bla.
Musicians seek fellowship and enjoyment.
The fans in the audience come to live, not critique.
Anyone seen a fan with a tuner in hand ?

 

[Woodpad]

This link may work better:

Kohlert Serial Number Chart :: SaxPics.com

www.saxpics.com

That is the list I used.

@Woodpad , this horn is worthy. Push aside the boring/ commonplace on your 2026 list. Honestly the oddballs are rewarding to breathe new life into. There’s just something special about playing music on old ones.
Critics have always seeked perfection. Bla, bla, bla.
Musicians seek fellowship and enjoyment.
The fans in the audience come to live, not critique.
Anyone seen a fan with a tuner in hand ?

It is not intentionally, but I seem to follow the oddball track. After playing saxophone for a month I did a recording with the Josef Kipp Quartet which brought my name on an international saxophonist list. Way to early. Helen noticed that I have a taste for quirky saxophones. My intention to tame a Dukoff crystalite with power chamber doesn"t help much. Not to mention Dutch wooden saxophone pads. Still, it is a lot of fun.

 

[thomsax]

Kohlert, Graslitz. Started to make saxophones around 1900. The founder was Vinzenz Kohlert. A saxophones engraved with "V Kohlert's Söhne, Graslitz, Checkoslovakai, A sax made by Kohlert with Vinzenz sons, Rudolf, Daniel and Franz in charge. Vinzenz Kohlert passed away 1900. When I look at old saxes I look a the engravings/stamps, serial number and case. Here is info on a Kohlert modell 1927. Serial numbers. Not only the unique number sbit also the size, "funt" ....... . The case can give you if they put a stencil/trade mark brand sax in a original case. Sorry for the blurry pictures.

Engraving. The the chimney was drawn, hammering out by small hammer. White thick pads hold with a washer and screw, No "glue"

Serial number. In this case six digits.

The original case. The soprano fits perfect into the case.

Kohlert, Winnenden. After WWII Daniel Kohlert started a reapair/renovation workshop in Winnenden, Schwaben, West-Germany, with his sons Max and Ernst. Two of of Rudolf Kohlert sons also joined the Kohlert Winnenden. The real name was Kohlert & Co. They company started in 1946.

For many years ago a talked to a guy about Kohlert Winnenden production. I wrote down in my note book while he was reading/talking. So there can be some mistakes. Uwe Ladwig use to write in Sonic about german related saxes.

-52 #1000
-55 #24000
-57 #43000
-58 #60000
-60 #64000
-66 #85000
-70 #89000

Kohlert & Co started Winneden, Baden Württemberg. Hammerschmidt in Burgau, Baden Württemberg. Julius Keilwerth and Dörfler & Jörka, both in Nauheim , Hesse. Hohner in Trossingen, Baden Württemberg. A saxophone cluster. When I look at West-Germany made saxes I can trace some relationship.

 

[thomsax]

Engraving. The the chimney was drawn, hammering out by small hammer. White thick pads hold with a washer and screw, No "glue"

 

[EdJ]

I have a Kohlert curved C soprano. There seems to be no serial number. Other than the Anglicised maker’s engraving there is a single digit which may be a 3, a 6 or a b. It plays very well. Some pictures of it next to a Bb curvie and of the digit in question