OK,  I've got a couple more numbers for your list. First is 14293 which is an Artist's Model A clarinet. It came with two barrels, each of which is clearly labelled Artist's Model A. One of the barrels is marked USN. I can find no other marking on the instrument or the second barrel. The serial number is stamped at the bottom of both the upper and lower joints. The clarinet has the smaller "Artist" engraved below the New York stamp.

The second instrument is number 17509. This is a Bb clarinet with one barrel. The "Artist" on this one is larger and engraved just below the eagle. The serial number on the upper joint is stamped vertically between the second and third posts of the right hand trill keys. The serial number on the lower section is also stamped vertically below the forked B/F# post and under the right hand little finger F#/C# key.

My experience is as a classical style player of about 65 years. I'm unaware of any classical players who use a double embouchure. I'm 99% sure that Pete Fountain used the "traditional" embouchure.

Bass recorders are in the F, but read C music. The F recorders use a different set of fingerings than the C recorder. The C instrument's fingerings are similar to flute or sax. The F instruments are similar to the lower register of a clarinet.

Thanks,
You're right. It's a treasure both as a gift from a friend and a great player. It plays much freer than my primary instruments (Leblanc LLs).
Mike

Recently a good friend (age 92) closed his music store and gifted me with his father's Pruefer clarinet. His dad played in the Calumet & Hecla band from about 1915 - mid 1930s. I have found a couple of pictures of the band with Sousa conducting and with Herbert L. Clarke as the featured soloist. The clarinet has 7 rings but not an articulated G#/C#. Also, it has the wrap around register key with the tone hole on the front rather than rear of the instrument. It's a low pitch Bb clarinet and plays great. I believe the serial number is 4866. I'd love any information about the instrument an the company that made it.

I love my LL, but I also have a pre-classic A that plays wonderfully. I've just bought a matched set of LLs which I'll be able to try when I get home later this week. I can hardly wait. I also have an LL Eb as well as a top end alto and bass.

Your assumption is correct. Wood barrels can warp over time. Having a replacement barrel is not uncommon. If you're happy with the performance of the instrument, you're all set. If not, try some other barrels. Have you checked to see if it plays in tune? You may want to get a shorter or longer barrel.