ROARING 20'S ART DECO JAZZ TENOR SAxOPHONE


This classic saxophone was manufactured during the heyday of jazz for Lyon V. Healy under the model name "American Professional," Chicago, Illinois. Lyon and Healy never made their own saxophones. They always bought on contract from other major instrument manufacturers. Some Lyon & Healy saxophones were made by Buescher and others were supplied by Martin. George W. Lyon and Patrick J. Healy came to Chicago in 1864 and opened a sheet music shop on the corner of washington and Clark streets. They were burned out of business twice. Once in 1869 and again during the Great Chicago Fire of 1871. In 1889 Healy bought out Lyon, but retained the name. The serial number on this horn, #48227, is consistent with Martin serial numbers for the year of 1924 and with Buescher serial numbers from between the years of 1915 and 1920. The patent date stamped on the horn is December 8, 1914. Although I am not an expert on vintage saxophones, my inclination from other horns I have seen, is to call this a Buescher_produced tenor sax. This restorable saxophone is all original, including its nickel or silver plated finish. The interior of the bell is also silver in color. There is the usual amount of wear to the finish due to its age. This instrument is a low pitch model designed for a sweet sound and a very lush low end. The horn includes the original neck piece, mouth piece, mouth piece guard, and carrying case. The case is clean throughout and free of major defects. It is a wooden case, fleece lined with a textured leatherette outer covering. From the top photograph, you can see there is expected wear to the leather handle. This investment grade instrument is in excellent condition for its age. It is however, all original, and therefore needs complete restoration. Aside from two or three pin head size "dings" this horn is in near flawless condition. Someone has hand polished the engraved area of the bell, and the results seem to indicate that there is serviceable life left in the original finish. Again, this is up to the discretion of the new owner. The only repair that is discernable is the thumb hold on the reverse side. Although professionally accomplished, this area should be cleaned up by an expert during the restoration process. I have endeavored to accurately describe the condition of this fine horn, and if you have any additional questions, I will be happy to try and answer them. This saxophone is being offered with...