Noblet

[colinb]

I bought a second hand clarinet from a junk shop years ago and only recently found a serial number near the bell end. Is it possible to tell the age from the serial number? Its a Noblet Paris, no.B38571

[Carl H.]

A picture of the logo will go a long way towards identifying what you have.

As to the age issue, there was a fire years ago that destroyed all the records, so a rough guess is the best you can hope for in getting its age determined.

[Richard Seaman]

According to the list that I have it would be 1984. What is the shape of the logo, diamond or oval? The shape of the logo will help to determine the model.

[colinb]

Thanks for getting back - the logo is a rectangle with rounded vertical sides with "Noblet Paris" written inside. On top of the logo is a circle with the letter "N" inside.

[SteveSklar]

That would make it a Noblet 40 or possibly a 27.

the 40 and 27 are identical except the 27 has either a plastic/ebonite bell and/or barrel
The 40 is considered the lower intermediate instrument.
The 27 made a little more affordable but still considered an intermediate when they were made

here's a serial number list
http://www.clarinetperfection.com/clsnLeblanc.htm#SNNoblet
and just above it is a few pics of the different emblems.

[saxmanglen]

I picked up a Noblet 40 in remarkable shape a couple of years ago. They are a pretty decent horn for the money. Kind of a sleeper horn in my book.