Identifying a Pair of One Piece Buffet Clarinets

[Cam T]

Hi All -- Just picked these up and am trying to figure out the models and any other insights.  They're in great shape with no visible cracks or damage to the key works.  Imported by Carl Fischer.  Came with a Buffet Evettine and a Woodwind Ebonite K9 mouthpieces, and two longer barrels. The serial # are 858S1 and 983S1. 

It's been fun trying to figure out the models and all the various iterations.  Here's what I think I've figured out, but certainly open to corrections.

1. Made in 1926
2. Full Boehm key system (20 keys, 7 rings)
2. Probably Bb and A
3. Could be an R16, R16 3/4, R20 1/2 or a R13 w/ full boehm system or something else?
4. It's likely a LP as the shorter barrels are marked LP, but there are no LP or HP markings on the body, bell or longer barrel
5. No wrap around key pad register vent, no advance Boehm key, but does have the donut key

Thanks for any thoughts.  They really are gorgeous.
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[ghostler]

Those are certainly beautiful, one a Bb and the other a bit longer appears to be an A. Interesting that the joint, main body, instead of in 2 parts is made as one. It is also unusual in that it has the low Eb key. This key I have seen on some Bb Bass Clarinets and some Eb Alto Clarinets, but not on Bb and A Soprano Clarinets. There is not much I can contribute as this is the first time I have seen them.

Having both sizes handy would help one to play music keyed for either, for example in a symphony orchestra. The lyre appears to be a part of the set as it is placed in a holder slot. Most clarinets, the lyre would fit on the tenon ring between upper and lower joints. This one, only logical place would be on the lower tenon ring before the bell. Are they in playable condition?

Regarding model numbers, back in the early 1970's I was issued a Buffet Crampon R13 Grenadilla wood pro clarinet while with the 264th Army Band, Honolulu, Hawaii. I think yours may predate the R13.

We lost a valuable reference source when the Clarinet Perfection blog disappeared with Woodwind Forum closing forever yesterday.

This page gives some guidance although sparse:
Buffet Identification Guide

Some of the things mentioned about identifying markings may give a clue to yours. My gut level feeling that yours may predate any of the aforementioned. It seems yours is indeed unique.

[Cam T]

Hi - Unfortunately, they are not really in playable condition.  A lot of the pads have fallen off, but I just might glue stick them back on just to see if they're in low pitch or high pitch.  Hopefully,LP.  Thanks for the link to the guide.  Hawaii, nice.  My dad was stationed in Alaska.  Luck of the draw, I guess.

[350 Rocket]

Most of the images are gone, but the archived version of the old ClarinetPerfection Buffet page is better than nothing. There's a little bit of explanation regarding the Carl Fischer catalog numbers.

[Cam T]

As an academic librarian it's hard to see such great scholarship disappear.  I may be getting ahead of myself, but if got access to the original files, I could explore uploading it into my university's scholarly repository where it would be permanently available to the public.  I'll shoot you a pm with my contact info.  Feel free to ignore if this isn't possible or wanted.

[Windsong]

Those are exceptional.  Well done.