Anyone know this brand ? ROY Ch., Villetoureix, Riberac France

[MauriceMo]

Hello to all and thanks for the help !
I am the new owner of what appears to be a very old French clarinet, marked ROY Ch., Villetoureix, Riberac. (France)
All I could find about it was a 1920's book with the mention the company had started in 1884....
I can post other images. It came with a leather pouch, not a case! Appears to need pads and a new cork but otherwise a very nice old wooden model.
Does anyone have any ideas about it?

Thanks !

[DaveLeBlanc]

Unfortunately, I don't know this brand. However, I am 100% certain that this is EARLIER than 1920. There don't appear to be rollers on the RH pinky keys, meaning this is more closer to 1890-1900 or so.

[MauriceMo]

I will take some more photos later. Does the age make it worth anything more than 40 bucks ?

[DaveLeBlanc]

I will take some more photos later. Does the age make it worth anything more than 40 bucks ?

Not necessarily. That old and it’s probably high pitch. Making it all but useless and worth less than $50.

However! It’s really pretty and one can always appreciate the high level of craftsmanship that went into these

[MauriceMo]

Here are some other photos. A wall hanger isn't bad either, it was made not far from where I live in France, in a small town of 900 people.... that kind of history is worth more than 50 bucks....

[MauriceMo]

For any other people who find this brand, here is the only reference I could find anywhere.....
A listing of musical companies by village name. Company was started in 1884, in a village called Villetoureix. 870 habitants !

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Villetoureix

As of 2020 906 people live there now......