Harry Pedler & Co./The Pedler Co. Thread

[350 Rocket]

I am wondering if this is Zyloid?
It looks a bit different than what I am accustomed to, but also appears to be phenolic of some sort.
(https://shopgoodwill.com/item/271591422)

I don't think so - it looks like a postwar 58N. I'm reasonably confident those had an Ebonite body (when I get around to servicing the one I have, I'll probably have to level a tonehole and can find out for sure) with plastic barrel and bell.

[Windsong]

A handful of breadcrumbs, every blue moon...

This La Premiere Francaise is no more French than I am, but it IS a Harry Pedler.  But we already established that, years ago. It was SilverSorcerer who brought it to our attention.  By the key work, I immediately knew these to be among Harry's revised (very last) original pieces, and for the first time, we now have a legitimate, extremely low serial number to attach to the line.  This serializes nicely with 1930 for the standard Harry Pedler & Co. E-Series (Oops; Did they stamp this one accidentally, or were they finally just allowing La Premiere Francaises (LPFs) to ride the same conveyor belt as the standard production models?
I believe the original, previous key work LPF line started in 1927, and this keywork change probably signifies the beginning of serialization!  Note the sliver key B/F# on the bottom joint.  It is this last, possibly jointly designed key work which appears to have been used briefly after Harry's departure, until Martin could develop all new key work.

The new question, and one I should have been asking all along is: 
At what serial number do we see a change from this key-work to all Martin attire?

When we have an answer to this question, we will be much closer to closing the transitional window, and earnestly attending to claims:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/127839329526?_skw=antique+conn+clarinet&itmmeta=01M0BHEJBSMCXT1YH883M5W5EY&hash=item1dc3d15cf6%3Ag%3AvEAAAeSwZQpp2J9R&itmprp=enc%3AAQALAAAA0GfYFPkwiKCW4ZNSs2u11xC2B9dAGB0LvTb%2F%2BKy7MihJd%2FWB31EngXUS8HTIWpuwzvpK8R932NOSrbkkM4nPUxWzo51aKJVrcV8SsxNH%2BlByy7nI%2BMKUCnWnXYCgC%2FDEQM3K7Ls0CmrxLPSnPV9MuZqY9tg12S4anP%2FlNaGr1JvhaOJXQ%2F4IsypIH%2BIiNZbuW9%2FDeiWBe6vb%2BUzS%2BIjRb70lOKKRFuoY3WK1F53wjzwNcF7QpQrZRut6yuCAZjxx630IdqhYOmOiI2h4KQJcQb8%3D%7Ctkp%3ABk9SR4imuvGCaA&keyword=antique+conn+clarinet&sacat=0&relatedSearch=true

[Jeabrams]

I would Like to add to Windsong's list if I may. I have had this instrument for most of the last fifty years - it is a pedler hoosier with full case, badge intact - serial #24555, stamped above the bell solder joint on the back of the instrument 24555 is also stamped into the underside of the F#C# key lever. The bell is engraved " Pedler Hoosier Elkhart Indiana" with Hoosier in larger lettering and the rest in smaller block text. I'll see about posting photos of it shortly....

[ghostler]

That is a nice Pedler metal clarinet, @Jeabrams.

This year got my feet wet by buying a René Dumont (Paris) metal clarinet. I got it because it was clean with original case, barrel joint and a mouthpiece. Appears possibly to be a low mileage one. Needs pads replaced and a few other touches. This is my first metal one.

I read somewhere that the US military bands of the time pre- to WW2 used metal clarinets.

[Jeabrams]

Ghostler,

Fantastic to see a fellow New Mexican in here. Clovis is south of me up here in Edgewood. My Pedler is one of three metal clarinets I have. I have restored a King and a Supertone (sears version of a Cundy-Bettony). The metal ones are very crisp sounding and surprise most people on how rich and full they are... nothing like a large bore wood instrument though.... Thank you and cheers!  Oh and I like it "Christmas" on the huevos! Almost forgot. Bettony produced the Cadet metal clarinets specifically for US military bands. I think othe makers did too though I'm not sure what Pedler may have provided

[ghostler]

You're welcome, Jeabrams. Once in a while we pass through Edgewood on the way to Albuquerque, a 4 hour drive. There in Edgewood, you escape the sprawling madness that has become of Albuquerque. I remember when we moved to Gallup downturn of aerospace early 1990's, Albuquerque was a nice small city, 2 hours away.

Amarillo (NE), Lubbock (SE), Roswell (S) are all only 95 miles and 2 hours away. If we need to do special shopping, they are our go-to places.

There is another, a saxist who I think also plays clarinet on one of the forums from Santa Fe.

[Jeabrams]

Windsong,  as mentioned today was an unveiling... I am now holding Pedler E26321 - hard rubber upper joints and barrel possibly a Bakelite bell and original Pedler mouthpiece w/ligature. It all came in an almost original leather like red velvet lined case with badge. I'm guessing this one fits nicely in your serial number list as there aren't any numbers in the E series listed between 25k and 28k. This one also has twin vertical thumb rest screws.

[Jeabrams]

A few more photos pre-restoration.

[Jeabrams]

One more just because.😏

[Windsong]

Added! 
It appears to be all original, and the hard rubber looks very nice.

[Windsong]

This is the earliest P-Series I have seen; P2626.  This is pre-war model from 1936-1938, I believe.  It is an 18/7 top-line model, and it is rare.  Despite all the little cracks, I believe most could be repaired invisibly and quite satisfactorily with Cyanoactryate, still.  They are all very slight, except the barrel crack, which should be pinned:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/168202700948?_skw=Harry+Pedler+%26+Co.&itmmeta=01M50CVAKFGJTA927HMXQYDMH6&hash=item2729a98894:g:A1AAAeSwMENppyyF&itmprp=enc%3AAQALAAAA0CHNgUiiE%2FjQhlDTaMiAde%2BkbpUqbBF%2BZH1JEzPjYgQRihqNl96w%2B%2FgylwL3M2jX3fjfY4lt25Sob1488k9nlfYMAU%2BBCB3Lk4QDqTgtOW8uJgGRsCJLF8sPxtSc%2B9v8NRoBkf7h5FQ2l4O%2BiHBf1al8fVrtXsAXs73WTbeUpe2QINc5oZDQjv6jb4as%2FS6TaZG7T2UK12KzqICl1Xb04lvHCzLe2uSAwza57BvMHr3FOGAcWW0GUrWBImZ0z5ZFfXQ8WvUzto5xVj6jbSCqU1w%3D%7Ctkp%3ABk9SR4iq7YyoaA

[ghostler]

This is the earliest P-Series I have seen; P2626.  This is pre-war model from 1936-1938, I believe.  It is an 18/7 top-line model, and it is rare.  Despite all the little cracks, I believe most could be repaired invisibly and quite satisfactorily with Cyanoactryate, still.  They are all very slight, except the barrel crack, which should be pinned:

eBay Pedler Special Wood Clarinet With Adjustable Barrel

Except for the crack it seems rather clean and at a good price, too, thanks for sharing.

At this point having enough uncompleted project clarinets will pass. I still have my 1940's G. Penzel (Mueller, DE) Pacemaker and maybe same era René Dumont metal clarinets to service, plus a myriad of others in the queue.

[350 Rocket]

This is the earliest P-Series I have seen; P2626.  This is pre-war model from 1936-1938, I believe.

I've seen two earlier - P2437, a standard 17/6 Premier, and P249, a Premiere.

I believe the wartime break in production happened somewhere between P9000 and P12000, so my guess is it's a bit earlier.

[Windsong]

This is the earliest P-Series I have seen; P2626.  This is pre-war model from 1936-1938, I believe.

I believe the wartime break in production happened somewhere between P9000 and P12000, so my guess is it's a bit earlier.

So, you are thinking pre 1936?  It certainly could be.  Annual production was never very high, per model line.

Interesting that you have seen two other older ones. Especially with the interchanging of spellings.  We have established, pretty universally, that models without the "E" are the pro models.  Such a devious distinction.  I wonder if they had not yet established these terms back in the early 30s.

[Windsong]

Except for the crack it seems rather clean and at a good price, too, thanks for sharing.

At this point having enough uncompleted project clarinets will pass.

Understood.  While I do not have one of these early production models, I also don't need it.

I believe someone is going to have a nice professional horn for a good price.