VINTAGE SILVER KING CLARINET STERLING SILVER MARKED BELL 1944 GIG READY!!!!

Description

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I’m selling a bunch of high end gear including a King Silversonic Alto, Yanagisawa WO35 tenor, Handmade Guardala mouthpiece, Silver King clarinet, Winslow style SAXXAS ligatures, Otto Link ligatures, Gloger tenor neck, and Jody Jazz DV baritone mouthpiece
Here's a short demonstration video of this instrument:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3T-EPnPZUOA
VINTAGE SILVER KING CLARINET STERLING SILVER MARKED BELL 1944 GIG READY!!!!
This is one of the most rare versions of the Silver King model in that it breaks down into 4 pieces like a normal clarinet, and it will fit in most standard clarinet cases.  Most of these came in one long piece with a removable barrel.  Bell is marked "Pound" for sterling, and you can see the faint gold wash in the bell.  This is the clarinet version of the "Silversonic" saxes, with silver plated brass body and sterling silver bell.  Serial number 265xxx is most likely from early 1944 during WWII.  According to the King records, 1945 started around 275xxx, and they were producing about 10,000 instruments per year between 1940 and 1945.
This is a fantastic playing clarinet.  Many consider this 4 piece version to be the finest model of metal clarinet ever produced.  See this link to the Silver Clarinet website.  They have extensive information about the different types of metal clarinets that were produced.
http://www.silver-clarinet.com/
It was overhauled several years ago, but was played in rotation with my two Selmer Series 9s, and the pads don't have many "miles" on them.  I was using it in lessons 2 weeks ago, and would not hesitate to take it to a gig tonight.  It plays in tune at A=440 with the barrel pulled out a bit exactly as it should. The repair person who did the overhaul is an accomplished clarinetist and he was impressed by how well it played.  He told me it had an excellent 4th octave high C.  Everyone who has seen it is always surprised at how "woody" it sounds.  I love this horn, but just don't play it enough to justify keeping it, as I have a Series 9 for gigging and a spare in the lesson studio for teaching.  It has it's share of surface scratches as you might expect for a 75 year old instrument, but no signs of major wear or damage.  The corks are all in good shape.
Not sure if the case is original, and it does not have a name brand stamped on it anywhere, but it appears to be original.  The handles are both broken, but both latches are functional. These old clarinets came with a special case for reeds within the instrument case.  It's rare to find them with this case and this one is just about perfect.  Also comes with the original lyre for marching.
All international sales are final.  Instrument will be carefully packed and insured for sale price as part of the free domestic shipping for CONUS.  Domestic returns accepted, however, be aware that you will be responsible for return shipping and full insurance, and a modest 5% restocking fee.  Refund will be processed when item is received in original condition and less the 5% restocking fee.  Additional shipping charges may apply Alaska, Hawaii, and US territories.