Michael’s father’s sax – in great condition
Silver in good condition
Includes original mouthpiece - professional instrument
Low Pitch - (modern concert pitch - 440Hz).
serial 58727
with the original hard case
By 1927 the company employed around 250 workers in London and was a major manufacturer of brass and wind instruments.
In 1930 Hawkes merged with Boosey to form "Boosey & Hawkes".
One published list of Hawkes serial numbers ends at the year 1930 with the number 60626 which would imply that this instrument - serial 58727 - was made in 1930. For what it's worth, I've seen it suggested that Hawkes double century saxes continued to be made after the merger, and also that some were put out under the Boosey & Hawkes name.
Advertisements in Australia newspapers during the late 1920s and early 1930s [researched on National Library of Australia website Trove] confirm beyond question that British made Hawkes Double Century saxophones [as well as other Hawkes instruments] were regularly being offered for sale by dealers and music stores all over Australia, as well as by private sellers. Their acceptance was widespread and they attained a significant level of popularity and market saturation. Despite that, as vintage instruments - especially in good condition like this one - they are now attained a degree of rarity. They are, however - fairly rare.
A recent saxophonepeople forum -
" .... unique to say the least. They are rare in US. I’m told these horns were very expensive, well made instruments. They were exquisite professional instruments with rolled tone holes ...".
Pitch: this instrument is standard [low] pitch.
The symbol for a flat is stamped or engraved on the body, visible in one of the photos.
One forum contributor [Saximax] who rid himself of a high pitch model lamented that he "failed to see that this horn had a solid silver bell and neck – like a King Silversonic" - it was a silver plated brass horn with a silver bell.
Stencil? In the American 26 July 1924 Music Trade Review [p. 39] it is recorded -
......—Ralph Hawkes, of the firm of Guy Hawkes & Son, British manufacturer and retailer of musical instruments, recently paid, a visit to the Buescher Band Instrument Co.'s plant here. He placed a large
order for Buescher saxophones, which have been
shipped to England ............"
Vaguely expressed statements [in the saxpeople forum] proffer a theory that Hawkes saxes might have been stencils -
" ... Some Hawkes saxes were made by Kohlert as might be the case here. Rolled tone holes are evident in the photos, and this suggests Kohlert or Keilwerth. I suspect Kohlert to be more likely since they did produce the Edgware and Oxford horns for Boosey & Hawkes...."
Sheer speculation might be appealing, but doesn't lead anywhere.
History and Provenance:
The previous owner Norm was Melbourne multi-instrumentalist who played right into his nineties - he had this instrument for around 35 years, and played it in a Melbourne big band, and on other gigs. It was well looked after and has hardly been used since Norm had it completely overhauled and serviced with all pads being reseated and replaced as necessary . [see receipt].
Pads appear firm and are in good condition.
Springs are working, pads are closing neatly.
The body is free of dings, scratches, dents and corrosion: once the silver is cleared the appearance will be stunning.
The solid case is the original, latches and main catch in good condition. It will be packed with care.
The lucky threepence? Whether Norm played this sax for the Threepenny Opera, or there's some other explanation for it's presence in the case, this sax will be shipped with its longtime companion, the 1944 Australian threepence shown.
$1500 AUD
Buyer to pay postage and insurance and – if applicable Donald Trump’s tariffs
Further details –
play_that_quail@hotmail.com
and the threepence –
