MARTIN Handcraft Committee - Lacquer (Serial Number: 117387) Back to model

Here is a phenomenon that is becoming increasingly harder to find, a completely original instrument that has seen little to no playing time. It is a Martin Handcraft (Searchlights or City-Skyscrape model) alto sax, serial number 117387.

This model features the first Martin saxophone with "same side" bell keys. It also features the Martin patented adjustable thumb-mechanism. This is the first real player's horn to be produced by the Martin company and really set the stage for Martin as a major player in the professional saxophone market of the day.

This instrument is all original, with original pads, the original case, and all the original accessories, such as the neck strap, lyre and end plug. It has all the cards and information from the store where it was purchased new on March 14 of 1937. It even has the original payment plan, with each payment recorded! The original price was $215.04 and it was paid off with a deposit of $2.95 and followed with weekly payments of just $2.80 each. WOW (see photos)!!! This sax was purchased from the original owner by Saxquest in 2003.

The only lacquer wear is light speckle wear that has come with age. This is extremely light and also hard to find! Most of the instrument appears brand new. Even the case hardly has a mark on it.

The Martin Handcraft is a very resonant and full-sounding instrument that doesn’t get nearly the praise it should.