Saxophones Can anyone shed any light on this please?

[C_Claudemonster]

I have spotted a tenor sax for sale. I think I'm on the right track but need a bit more info. I'm sure there's someone out there who will know! It is a 'Kingsway' tenor saxophone circa. 1930, it was used in a Liverpool marching band in its past. Underneath the kingsway engraving it says 'Hessy's' and then the address in Liverpool (like sole agents for import etc)
I know Hessy's made a super model sax and am I right in thinking they were a French company?
So, I think this sax is a Hessy's - Kingsway model/import or perhaps a Pierret stencil instrument looking at the key work on it. The seller says that their son took his grade 2 exam on it so I know it will be a low pitch instrument as you have piano accompaniment in graded exams.
It needs some minor attention to some corks. I think it could be a very nice sax to add to my collection but can anyone guide me on this and what I should be paying for it?
The asking price is under £200, it has a case and to the looks of things a more modern m/piece.
Thank you in advance 🙂

 

[C_Claudemonster]

this might help it's info from the seller

KINGSWAY (Kingsway lettering looks as if it is hand-punched by a craftsman musical instrument maker)

(crown motif)

“In a Class by Itself”

HESSY’S LTD.

18-20 Manchester Street

Liverpool

FOREIGN

 

[kevgermany]

Some photos would help.

 

[C_Claudemonster]

Hi Kev, here is the link with the ad and the photos provided by the seller
http://www.preloved.co.uk/adverts/show/106714645/tenor-saxophone-for-sale-bargain-195.html

Thanks 🙂

 

[aldevis]

If you could try it...

It has what I call "Eb resonance key" that is quite hard to set up but often is just wedged in place.
It was originally an italian patent, but can be found on several horns. My first impression would be "Elkhart" but the bell's design is quite peculiar and hopefully someone here will spot it better.

 

[kevgermany]

Aldevis, what's peculiar about the bell? Split keys?

It's rather reiminiscient of a 1920s Kohlert (e.g. microtuner design), but there a re a few things that worry me with that suggestion.

Any other inscription on the sax? Especially on the back - or pics/emblems engraved on it?

 

[C_Claudemonster]

Hi Kev, only on the bell of the sax it is engraved as written above but apparently the symbol above or below 'Kingsway' is a crown with a cross at the bottom of it. The s/n is on the back 10449. Nothing to indicate the pitch but I've established it's low pitch due to the grade 2 exam etc.
Here's what the seller emailed me below
KINGSWAY (Kingsway lettering looks as if it is hand-punched by a craftsman musical instrument maker)

(crown motif)

“In a Class by Itself”

HESSY’S LTD.

18-20 Manchester Street

Liverpool

FOREIGN

(There is a short of greek looking frieze pattern engraved round the bell lower down)

the bold bit is the info I missed off so this may be of help?! Tbh I feel that £195 is quite a bit to pay for an obscure sax but it's one of those chances/gambles that may or may not pay off!
Thank you again, 🙂

 

[MMM]

That's a lovely sax: I just bought it!!!!


No not really! The left hand pinky says "Pierret" to me (I know 'cause I owned one). I know what Aldevis means by the bell looking strange: on one of the photos it looks a little shorter and closer to the body than it should, very French!
Anyway Saxgirl, save some money to buy one of my saxes: I'm rebuilding a lovely Vito/Beaugnier tenor at the moment!

Cheers,
M.

 

[aldevis]

Aldevis, what's peculiar about the bell? Split keys?

No, the straight shape of it, rather than curvy and S like. Microtuner is another clue, but I cannot understand if it is part of the mouthpiece instead.

 

[MMM]

In fact, according to SOTW I was right: it should be a stencil of a Pierret Modele 7... nice sax and please buy it quickly before temptation gets the best of me!!!!!
M.

 

[kevgermany]

Now you mention it, I see what you mean about the bell.

some info here:
http://www.saxpics.com/pierret/index.htm
http://bassic-sax.ca/4images/categories.php?cat_id=21

but the Modele 7 had LH Bell keys..

Whoever buys it, I'm sure Helen at Bassic-sax.ca would love some decent photos to post and she'd be very helpful on id matters.

 

[aldevis]

In fact, according to SOTW I was right: it should be a stencil of a Pierret Modele 7... nice sax and please buy it quickly before temptation gets the best of me!!!!!
M.

I have the words "high pitch" buzzing in my mind. And it shouldn't be too difficult to learn to use a sax stand: look at the D# pad.

 

[C_Claudemonster]

Hi All thanks for your assistance. It's not high pitch I'm very sure as the owners son took a graded exam on it. For that you need piano accompaniment so it would be justified that this is a low pitch sax. I'm not going for it now as I've been offered a Selmer airflow metal tenor m/piece which is nice and just purchased a King Voll True 11 alto! I'm so naughty
I'm sure the seller would be pleased if somebody snaps this up though! The details are above and I believe the ad is still live 🙂

 

[C_Claudemonster]

One more thing - if any of you are interested in the sax, the seller has made a mistake with the number to contact them on. I emailed them to let them know I won't be buying but said to check their emails in the event anyone on here may be interested! They were aware that I was going to post on here as I told them I wanted to find out a bit more about the sax! MMM I will save up for one of yours instead 😉