Hi Everyone,
I found this Harry Pedler "Covertype" metal plateau clarinet at an antique store a couple of weekends ago. The engraving on the bell says "Pedler, Covertype, Harry Pedler Co, Elkhart IND." The engraving is inside a shield-shaped outline. I believe it is silver due to tarnishing, but I don't know if it is silver plate or full silver.
Serial number 18XXX.
The plateau keys immediately caught my attention. I mainly play saxophone, but I started out on the clarinet. To me, the most annoying thing about the clarinet is squeaking due to not completely covering the key holes, so I was really excited to see the closed keys. Plus, I love to push the buttons

Anyway, I didn't buy it at first because it is not in playing condition. From what I can tell, it doesn't seem damaged, but the pads have disintegrated away and some are completely missing. I wasn't sure the value of the clarinet, the cost of overhaul, or if this clarinet could even be repaired. I went home and called my local repair guy, and he said he could repair it, but it will likely cost more than the clarinet is worth, he said he wouldn't pay more than $50 for it and they make good lamps. I'm sure you have all heard that before....
I continued to do research and found out that metal plateau clarinets are rare and desirable (I sure wanted it!). I couldn't stop thinking about the thing and after doing more research and talking to a few more repair people, I decided to call the antique shop to see if it was still there. I thought it would be gone for sure after the Black Friday crowd rolled through, but it was still there! They were asking $250 and they accepted my $150 offer. It came with the original lyre and also guarantee bond certificate. They said it was the original sales receipt signed by Harry Pedler, but it is obviously not a sales receipt. I saw a previous post where someone has the same guarantee certificate and same signature. Not sure if it is Harry's or not. Does this add to the value at all, and/or does it help date the instrument?
I would love more info on this clarinet and to see if we can narrow down what year it might be from. From what I have read, it sounds like it was likely made pre 1937, but not sure how much earlier...also, do you think this is a pro or student model?
I am taking it in for an overhaul soon, maybe this weekend. I'll post more pics afterwards. I can't wait to play it!
Let me know what you think!