Hawkes & Son XX Century Alto Saxophone - Rare Pan Engraving - Silver Plate - Serviced
A particularly unusual Hawkes & Son XX Century alto saxophone, finished in silver plate and featuring the distinctive Pan/Piper engraving rarely seen on this model.
The main XX Century engraving is accompanied by a separate engraved figure of Pan playing a pipe or flute. This same unusual motif has been documented on another XX Century by saxophone technician Stephen Howard, who notes that this panel is normally left blank.
This makes it a particularly interesting example of an already uncommon early British saxophone.
The instrument is Low Pitch and has now undergone a complete strip-down, clean, service and regulation.
Service and restoration work
The saxophone has been completely stripped and carefully serviced, including:
The existing pads have been retained rather than replaced.
They are currently sealing sufficiently for the saxophone to play throughout the register, but for complete transparency this instrument has not received a new pad set.
The Pan engraving
One of the most interesting features of this particular XX Century is the additional engraved figure of Pan playing a pipe/flute.
The standard XX Century engraving is already particularly attractive, but this extra pictorial engraving is much less commonly encountered.
An apparently identical Pan motif appears on the unusually elaborate XX Century documented by Stephen Howard, who comments that he had not previously seen the feature and that the area in which it appears is normally left blank.
I cannot confirm why Hawkes produced some instruments with this additional engraving, so I would rather not make claims about it being a particular model or confirmed factory special order.
What can be said is that it makes this a very unusual and visually distinctive XX Century.
Playing and setup
This is a genuinely playable vintage saxophone, but it is important to understand that it behaves rather differently from a modern instrument.
It benefits from being properly warmed through before playing, and the keywork requires a somewhat firmer touch than a modern Yamaha or Selmer.
Once warmed up, the instrument plays very nicely throughout the register and speaks cleanly all the way up to top F.
The lowest Bb is noticeably more demanding than the rest of the horn and requires good support, voicing and a positive key press.
I want to make this completely clear rather than describe an almost century-old saxophone as though it has the effortless low-note response of a modern professional alto.
Interestingly, I have now worked on more than one XX Century and have found this firmer feel to be characteristic of the examples I have encountered. These instruments also use distinctly vintage keywork and unusual pad/key geometry compared with modern saxophones.
The accompanying playing video demonstrates the instrument in its present setup.
Condition
The silver-plated finish has cleaned up very attractively and the engraving - particularly the unusual Pan figure - gives the instrument enormous character.
As you would expect from a saxophone of this age, there are marks, scratches and areas of wear consistent with its history.
I have concentrated on preserving the instrument and returning it to proper playing condition, rather than attempting to make an antique saxophone appear artificially new.
Please study the photographs carefully, as they form an important part of the description.
Playing character
Once warmed up, this is a lovely old saxophone with a distinctly vintage British/European character.
The majority of the register responds very well, and it plays strongly and evenly right through to top F#.
It would particularly suit someone who appreciates early saxophones and is prepared to work with their individual ergonomics and response rather than expecting the feel of a modern instrument.
The unusual Pan engraving also makes it particularly appealing as a collector's instrument that can genuinely be played.
Included
The sale includes:
No mouthpiece, harness, stand or other accessories are included.
Playing video
If viewing on eBay a playing demonstration is included so that you can hear the actual saxophone being offered. If viewing on Reverb please contact me for it.
Because of the instrument's age and individual playing characteristics, play-testing before purchase is especially welcome and encouraged.
About my saxophones
I restore vintage saxophones in my spare time because I enjoy preserving unusual and interesting instruments and bringing them back into playable condition.
My focus is primarily on getting them mechanically sound, properly regulated and enjoyable to play, rather than attempting to make old instruments look artificially new.
Each saxophone is carefully checked, regulated and play-tested before being listed, and I provide detailed photographs and a playing demonstration wherever possible.
This is a particularly unusual opportunity to own a silver-plated Hawkes & Son XX Century with the rare Pan/Piper engraving, carefully serviced and regulated and now back in playable condition.
Collection, inspection and play-testing welcome.
Leak-tested and played in before listing.