Description

C clarinet – LEHNER, Martin

This C clarinet originates from Munich, Germany. It is constructed from grenadilla wood and features rings and keys made of nickel silver.

Its maker was Johann Martin Benedikt LEHNER, who preferred simply Martin LEHNER. He was born in Ansbach, Germany, in 1853 and established his instrument workshop in Munich in 1875. There he married Christine Maria Eva KELLER, the daughter of the brasswind instrument maker (and gaslight engineer!) Wendelin KELLER (1831-1913). They joined forces in 1884 to form the workshop Keller & Lehner. Following the death of Martin Lehner in Munich in 1915, his wife managed the business for a period alongside their son Martin, who was born in 1885.

The instrument is stamped with M. LEHNER / MÜNCHEN / C. The maker’s stamp also features a Münchner Kindl . The term ‘Münchner Kindl’, which translates to ‘Munich child’ in the Bavarian dialect, refers to the emblem featured on the coat of arms of Munich. Our Münchner Kindl could be even holding a beer mug!

This clarinet can be dated to approximately 1880. While all the keys are intact, it unfortunately lacks both its barrel and mouthpiece. Additionally, there is a crack in the bell, as shown in the photographs. Nevertheless, it remains in generally good condition and could be an excellent candidate for restoration for a prospective buyer.