Sioma, Saxophone Fingered, B Flat Clarinet
This is an extremely rare Sioma, Paris, Selectone Sax fingered LP Bb clarinet. This instrument was formerly owned by Paul Harvey, ex-Professor of Clarinet and Saxophone at the former Royal Military School of Music, Kneller Hall, in Twickenham. There was a brief period in the 1920s -1930s when the popularity of Dance Bands was such that many ingenious models of clarinet and saxophone were manufactured. The sax fingered clarinet was such a hybrid, and, as the name suggests, it was devised so that the saxophone player could make an easier transition to doubling on the clarinet.
This instrument is ultra rare and in superb condition. There are only a few of similar type left in existence. There is one, of inferior quality, in the Shackleton Collection in Edinburgh University. This example is probably the finest extant in the world today. The supplying dealer was Alex Burns of Shaftesbury Avenue, he seems to have made a speciality of supplying plateau clarinets to dance band players. Certainly he was ideally placed in the heart of the thriving West End of London in the 1920-30s.
The German Silver key work is bright and unmarked. The wood condition is very fine, with only a few slight surface marks, no cracks or damage, with all pieces matching & original. The matching serial numbers are D136. The clarinet has excellent condition fish skin pads throughout. It accepts all modern French bore m'pieces and plays comfortably at A=440 Hz. The original case is still functional, but much worn, which, given that it 100 years old is reasonable.