Martin Handcraft Committee II Alto Saxophone – 1938 Vintage Lion & Crown

Own a piece of American saxophone history with this 1938 Martin Handcraft Committee II Alto Saxophone, manufactured in Elkhart, Indiana. Highly regarded by vintage saxophone collectors and professional players, Martin Handcraft instruments are known for their robust construction, distinctive tonal character, and quality American craftsmanship.

Often referred to by collectors as the Lion & Crown model, this vintage Martin is an interesting find for collectors, players, and woodwind repair enthusiasts.

Serial number 126202 places this instrument around 1938, depending on the serial number reference used.

Condition & Features

• Manufacturer: The Martin

• Model: Handcraft Committee II Professional Series, commonly known as the Lion & Crown model.

• Instrument: Alto Saxophone

• Manufacture Location: Elkhart, Indiana, USA

• Approximate Year: 1938 (depending on serial number reference)

• Serial Number: 126202

• Neck: Included; appears to be the original matching neck based on similar lacquer color and condition.

• Construction: Exceptionally robust vintage American craftsmanship.

• Solder Joints: No obvious signs of previously resoldered posts.

• Finish: Lacquer shows spotting throughout, with a substantial amount of finish remaining intact. Originality of the lacquer has not been verified. Includes metal end plug also with matching lacquer color as next to the next in the picture.

• Case: Martin hard case included. The case has an aged scent, although considerably less noticeable than many vintage cases we encounter.

Playability & Condition

This saxophone is sold AS-IS and has not gone through our repair shop or received a complete evaluation. Surprisingly, it plays quite well for an instrument that has been sitting untouched in our storage room for more than three years!

We were able to play into the altissimo register up to B, chromatically down to low Bb, and even produce subtone low B and low C with minimal difficulty. All keys are present and move freely. The pads are well aged and may be reusable, but further inspection and servicing are recommended.

A Special Vintage Martin Find

This 1938 Martin Handcraft Committee II is a wonderful opportunity for a vintage saxophone enthusiast, collector, repair student, or professional technician. Its surprising playability makes it especially interesting for an instrument of this age that has been sitting in storage for years.

Questions? We're happy to provide additional information before purchase.