The inscription on the clarinet says: F. Buisson, Sole Distributor, Dallas London. A further inscription towards the bottom of the lower section says: Made in France.

This is a "stencil" clarinet, the name F. Buisson an invented manufactuer's name, and the clarinet was probably manufactured by the La Couture Company.

I purchased the clarinet 3rd or 4th hand in the mid 1980s. The instrument is probably late 1940s or early 1950s.

The body is sound but at the top of the lower wooden section there is  an old and intact repair (5cm long and 1mm wide). The upper and lower wooden sections bear the serial number 1003.

The mechanism is sound, but eight or nine keys show signs of wear and there is a little tarnishing of the metallic components most noticeable on the back of the bell. The key pads are brown leather and in good condition. The mouthpiece is not original, it is a plastic Beilhart Special. The corks are in good condition. The case is original and somewhat old and battered.

The instrument would be of interest to a collector or to someone looking for an authentic mid 20th century sound. The clarinet has a distinctive dark and smokey tone. In the past I have used the clarinet to good effect in jazz, and classical music of the period. I have also used it in a symphonic wind band playing more mainstream repertoire as well as in a chamber group playing music ranging from arrangements of Bach to Stravinsky. In other words the instrument is versatile. The clarinet may also be of interest to someon who is thinking of taking up the bass and would like to give it a try without spending several thousand pounds on a new instrument.

For its age the clarinet is in remarkable condition and would most benefit from some playing before any decisions are taken about a conservative restoration.

As stated above the case has seen better days and I am reluctant because of this to entrust the instrument to the postal service.

I would much prefer that any buyer picks the instrument up in person. However if absolutely necessary I am prepared to send it by post. In this case the postage would be £27.50 (this includes insurance). Postage is a bit pricey because the instrument weighs 7kg.