Help with info on old Leblanc clarinet

[Sunnyside]

Hi there,
I'm trying out find out a bit more about my son's clarinet - handed down from my father and briefly used by me in my youth. 

Its a Bb, made by Leblanc.  I've attached a close up of the logo. The serial number is 53256.  A few questions:

Does this model have a particular name? 
It was certainly in my house by the early '70s - but I'd like to narrow down the date of manufacture if possible? 
It sounds good to my uneducated ear - but is this type well regarded? 
Any ideas on potential value?  I'm wondering for insurance purposes but have no idea whether there is any market for old clarinets or what an equivalent quality modern version would cost. 
Any pointers gratefully received.
regards

[DaveLeBlanc]

It’s the LeBlanc LL, I believe late 1950s to early 60s

Some call it the “top hat model.”

I think I sold a restored one for like $350 a few years back

[brigaltman]

Hi,

You definitely have a top line Leblanc model LL (for Leon Leblanc). They were produced starting around 1963 and were made for about 15 years. I am a saxophonist and the literature describes these as the perfect instrument for wood doublers. I gave up my Buffet and Selmer Center Tone in favor of one of these. I refurbish older instruments and have worked on quite a few of these great instruments. Additionally, I just bought a matched set (a Bb and an A) to go with my LL Eb sopranino. My mission is to refurbish these great old instruments and get them into the hands of someone who will use them so I sell them cheaply ($400 - $550). I've seen them sell as high as $1600. Leblanc made clarinet way ahead of their time and hold up well even against the absolute best modern instruments.

Mike

[super20dan]

i agree-these  hold their own against any clarinet ever made. i will never forget the look on my big band mates face when he forgot his buffet on a gig and asked if he could use my LL for an important solo in a chart. his face said it all as he handed it back to me after the solo.

[brigaltman]

When your buddy decides to buy a "good" clarinet and ditch the overrated Buffett have him get in touch with me. I usually have at least a couple top line Leblancs on hand. I'm not home right now, but I think currently I have at least 3 LLs, a Classic and a Symphonie 2.

[DaveLeBlanc]

$1,600 is sky-high for an LL. They are good, yes, but I can't imagine anybody in their right mind paying such top-tier prices for this clarinet.

1/3 that is the average that I've seen.