Help to ID this instrument please -

[Jeabrams]

I'm attempting to help a gentleman find the make of this instrument. There are no engravings at all on the body or barrel and the only information I have is that he was given this instrument when he was a boy in the 1940's as a student instrument. He would like to see about getting it back in workable condition however the key-work is broken and the piece missing, on the lower ring set. I thought we might be able to save some time fabricating the needed part for the lower and get it back in action. If anyone has any suggestions on maker or a line on the needed key-work let me know. If all else fails I will fabricate something to solder in place to get it to work again. It seems to be an otherwise quite beautifully kept horn.

[Windsong]

How curious. 

I would say that it appears to be a Penzel Mueller, as the LH pinky keys have individual posts and the tip curvature of a P-M, and the ring keys are also nearly identical to those of a P-M.  However, the separate A/Ab posts (like R13s) are not something that P-M did that early.

This is probably French, but neither Selmer nor Buffet had separated the A/Ab posts yet.  So, who does that leave?  It is clearly not a LeBlanc.  It is too early to be a Robert Malerne, and does not appear to be a Martin Freres.  JTL? 

I feel confident it is from the 1930s, and appears to be a beautiful, professional horn.

Here is a later P-M with divorced A/Ab.  https://shopgoodwill.com/item/281085620

I have found with P-Ms that despite their composition or model designation, many of their keys are interchangeable between posts.  I had to replace bridge keys on a Brilliante, and used those from a Bel Canto (correction:  "Empire"), which were perfect. 

[Jeabrams]

I'll see what lurks in the bone heap. But so far I'm not finding "just the right part". But at least now I have further confidence I was looking in the right direction. Thanks Windsong for your observations and advice -
Once again thanks!!!

[Windsong]

After a bit of comparing, I am thinking that this could be a Pre M-100 model Harold Freeman clarinet.  All the parts are in the right places, and the right features are all present.

They were made in France, and the Pre M-100 models were very faintly stamped such, before they began to be placed in a flying banner.  There is typically an oval above the A cluster that says "H. FREEMAN. N.Y.", however, but perhaps someone filled it in.  If so, it is a professional horn. 

[Jeabrams]

I will take a look under a magnifier to see if there is a trac of a stamping. I looked but not under great
Light and not with super eyeballs....👀
Thanks for the lead!

[Jeabrams]

Windsong,
You were correct the mystery clarinet is indeed an H, Freeman! It is also an older one! On very carful lnspection the words " made in France" are stamped near the top of the upper and very very faint, but there is the name H Fre..... You must hold it just right to even see a trace of the engraving..... Now to find a set of lower ring keys with the bridge intact!

Here is a photo of the bridge this one is bent badly but is what I need -

[Windsong]

Fantastic. 

There are well respected woodwind veterans on another very prominent forum who affirm these early ones to be exceptional, and whether over-hyped or not, they are sought after for their small batch status and superior build quality.

[Windsong]

The HAROLD FREEMAN N.Y. is back in my hands, from whence it left 3 years ago! 

It cost me a Chilean Sea Bass lunch, but that seemed a small price to pay for a clarinet that was more advanced than any other I can think of for the time.  Honestly, the only thing it did not have was 4 individual posts for the upper joint trills.  Everything else is here; Twin Lower Joint posts, divorced A cluster posts, ramped bridge key, full lower joint post locks, dense, gorgeous grenadilla etc.

The bore on the UJ is .575", top and bottom.  Interesting.


The keys are strong, gracefully designed, unplated maillechort.

I thought I would take some pics of this gorgeous creation for all to enjoy:

[Jeabrams]

Well no question there, very nice indeed, and it matches exactly my example!

[Windsong]

Who says we can't find needles in haystacks?!