Scam/Fake? Fake Dolnet BelAir or a stencil?

[Eibert]

My name is Eibert Draisma and I am new here.
I have been playing an Akai Ewi5000 for quite some time, but now I want to learn to play a real sax.

That is why I bought a Dolnet BelAir tenor for €450 (about the same amount in Dollars). Serial no. 75573C
However....

The logo differs significantly from the standard Dolnet logo, but otherwise the (silver-plated) sax looks good. It does need servicing, though.
Have I been scammed?

 

[JayeNM]

It is a real one. I doubt greatly anyone would actually fabricate a fake Dolnet. Congratulations ! How does it play ?

 

[Eibert]

Ohh, thank you Jaye!
To be honest; it hasn't even been delivered yet - and it will be my first real saxophone.

I had read somewhere that, as a beginner, you often get more value for your money if you buy an old pro saxophone than a modern student sax.
This sax was offered for sale via Catawiki, and I read positive reviews about Dolnet online. And because it wasn't expensive, I took the gamble. It is complete but not ready to play, so servicing will cost a fair bit as well, but I hope it will be worth it.

 

[Pete Thomas]

It is complete but not ready to play, so servicing will cost a fair bit as well,

A service should not cost too much but if it is in need of repair or pad replacement or overhaul you are probably looking at paying more than the value of the horn sadly.

 

[Tuppertn]

That's an mid 1960's Bel Air. Heckuva nice horn for €450!

Hard to tell from one pic, but it looks to be in really nice shape. I'd be surprised if it needed any major work. Nice score!

 

[Eibert]

By sheer coincidence, Maarten Visser* is one of my neighbors at the NDSM shipyard where my studio is located. contact | De Fluitstudio

*Maarten graduated from Newark Technical College in 1983 specializing in the making and repairing of woodwind instruments and saxophones – so he can certainly help me further!

 

[PigSquealer]

Congratulations on this buy, ya done well. Especially compared to the other pile option.
Was the mouthpiece included with the kit ? That can be of good value alone.
As a new owner. Do be attentive opening the case. Make good and sure it’s fully unzipped before upping the top. You’ll blowup the zippers if you don’t.
Welcome to the Café 👋

 

[Tuppertn]

Was the mouthpiece included with the kit ? That can be of good value alone.

The shank looks like it could be a Woodwind Company Steel Ebonite.

If it is then it should be a good starter piece for the OP. Put a 2 or 2.5 reed on there and you should be good to blow.