Louis-Augu-Royal

Louis Augu & Cie “Royal” Alto Saxophone – Vintage French Silver Plate – Overhauled

A fascinating and extremely unusual Louis Augu & Cie “Royal” alto saxophone, made in France and finished in silver plate.

This is one of the more interesting early French saxophones I have encountered, with exceptionally elaborate engraving and a number of unusual construction details.

The bell is beautifully engraved:

ROYAL
Grande Lutherie de France
Médaille d’Or
Louis Augu & Cie
Fournisseur des Conservatoires et de l’Armée
Bourges

together with three stars and extensive decorative engraving.

The instrument is marked “7u Argent 1er Titre”, indicating a period French silver-plated finish and I believe meaning approximately 7 microns thick, using first-standard silver (950 fineness).

Manufacture

Louis Augu & Cie were based in Bourges, France, but, as was common with many musical-instrument retailers and distributors of the period, saxophones bearing the Augu name appear to have been produced for them by specialist manufacturers.

Research into surviving French stencil records points towards Maurice Boiste as the likely manufacturer of this particular Louis Augu saxophone.

Overhaul

The saxophone has been carefully overhauled and regulated and is now playing properly throughout the full range.

Work has concentrated on returning the instrument to reliable playing condition while preserving as much of its original character as possible.

It has been:

• Carefully cleaned
• A few pads replaced where necessary.
• All other pads checked and correctly seated
• Keywork regulated
• Corks and adjustments attended to where required
• Mechanism checked and lubricated
• Fully play-tested following the work
• Closed the forked Eb key to improve intonation (can be reversed on request)

It now plays from top to bottom and has a wonderfully individual vintage French voice.

Construction

There are several interesting details which distinguish this instrument from the more familiar American saxophones of the same period.

The octave mechanism in particular uses an unusual balance arrangement, with the connecting rod able to swivel at both ends.

The keywork and general construction have a distinctly early French character and make this a particularly interesting instrument for anyone interested in the development of European saxophone manufacture.

Condition

Considering its age, the saxophone presents very attractively.

The silver-plated finish shows the normal marks, tarnish and signs of use expected on an instrument of this age, but retains considerable character.

The engraving remains a particularly striking feature and is remarkably clear.

Please study the photographs carefully, as they form an important part of the description and show the cosmetic condition far better than words can.

Playing character

This is not simply an ornament or collector's curiosity.

Following the overhaul it is a playable vintage alto, with the distinctive response and tonal character associated with early French saxophones.

As with any instrument of this age, the ergonomics and keywork feel quite different from a modern Yamaha or Selmer, which is part of its appeal.

It would particularly suit a player or collector who enjoys unusual early European saxophones and wants something considerably less common than a Conn, Buescher or Martin.

Play-testing before purchase is also very welcome and encouraged.

A rare opportunity to own a beautifully engraved Louis Augu & Cie “Royal” French alto saxophone, probably manufactured for Augu by Maurice Boiste, which has already been overhauled and returned to playing condition.

Saxophone, crook and case included. Stand, mouthpiece and harness not included.

Collection, inspection and play-testing welcome.