Offered here is an estate-fresh 1939 Henri Selmer Paris Balanced Action Alto Saxophone, serial number 28472, complete with its original Selmer Paris mouthpiece, original red velvet hard case, and Mother of Pearl key touches throughout.

MARKINGS

The bell is fully engraved and reads: Breveté France & Étranger / Henri Selmer Paris / Fabriqué en France par H. Selmer & Cie / Place d'Ancourt, Paris / Sole Agents U.S. & Canada / Selmer New York / Pat. No. 2151337

The body is stamped: Brev. S.G.D.G. No. 383098 / Engl. Pat. No. 11,824 / U.S. Patent No. 2,090,011 / Serial No. 28472

THE INSTRUMENT

Serial 28472 dates this saxophone to 1939, placing it in the early production run of the Balanced Action — Selmer Paris's celebrated pre-war design and direct predecessor to the Mark VI. Early Balanced Action saxophones are prized by serious collectors and professional players worldwide for their extraordinary warmth, tonal complexity, and expressive character.

ENGRAVING

The bell features full factory floral engraving — large flowers, flowing foliage, and fine scrollwork covering the entire bell surface. Detail remains crisp and well-preserved.

MOTHER OF PEARL KEYS

Original MOP key touches present throughout, a premium factory specification indicating top-tier professional configuration at the time of manufacture.

ORIGINAL MOUTHPIECE

The original Henri Selmer Paris mouthpiece is included, complete with original ligature bearing the Selmer Paris wreath medallion. Original period Selmer mouthpieces rarely survive with the instrument.

NECK & CASE

Original matching neck is present. Heavy natural patina and verdigris on the neck confirm it has never been polished or treated. The saxophone is housed in its original hard case with red velvet lining, functional and intact.

CONDITION

Estate fresh and completely untouched — unpolished, uncleaned, unrestored. Original lacquer has aged naturally into a warm dark patina. No visible dents or structural damage. Will require a professional overhaul and repad prior to playing