Couesnon S.A. Paris

[EasyG]

I picked up a Couesnon S.A. Paris and am trying to figure out a few things about it.
There are limited markings that I can find:

"Couesnon S.A.Paris", which can be found on the Upper joint and on the Bell.
"S" with "24", which can be found underneath the top G# key.
"Made in France", at the top of both joints.

No Serial Numbers

1) Does the S24 indicate anything? Year?
2) How can I determine if this is LP or HP? Are there specific places to look for these markings on these clarinets?

[Windsong]

Couesnon often hand-scribed Roman numerals on the underside of their keys,  at least in the teens and early 20s.

I have had a few Couesnons (and Lafayettes), and all were in Albert system, but they also made Boehm system clarinets.

Please post photos when you can. 

[EasyG]

Thanks for the info.  Just looking under the keys without removing them, I don't see any markings.

Here are some photos of the clarinet.  The pads need to be replaced, but it'll be some time before I can begin that process on this clarinet.  My goal is to learn clarinet repair, so I have several other clarinets to work on first before I tear this one down. 

[Windsong]

Very nice, and a Boehm, too. 

It looks to be all there, and in good order.  Your upper and lower bridge keys are ever-so-slightly tweaked and will need to be bent back straight, but that is easy with a gentle hand, and very common. 

I cannot tell whether you have one or two lower joint trill key posts (I assume two), but your lower bridge key is ramped, and you have the newer style thumb rest, so I place manufacture after WWII. 

I have always been impressed with Couesnon build quality, but have no experience with any after the 1920s or in the Boehm system.

If the barrel is missing you can surely find something that will work.  Who knows, perhaps the right barrel may show up, yet.

[EasyG]

Thanks Windsong for your assessment.

I do have the barrel. It doesn't have any markings, but does seem to match the rest so I believe it to be the original.

I noticed the bridge keys being tweaked.  Since I am teaching myself instrument repair, I will add this to the end of my list until I get more experience. 

I have picked up a varity of instruments to work on and learn.  I'll start with the Student level (Buffet B10 and a B12, Claritone, Artley and a Sonatina)  Assuming I start getting the hang of repairs, I'll then move more into the intermediate range (Signet Special, Conn, Yamaha YCL-34, Siour Chapelain, this Couesnon, and then finish with the Pedler W).  I say finish, but I enjoy purchasing "grab bag" clarinets that look like they might have potential.  I did get lucky once doing this (1971 R13 for about $25), but doubt lightning will strike twice.

Thanks again for your assessment.