Artikel: Conn 6M VIII Ladyface

General description : Here we have one of the pre-war 6M VIII models with serial 281989, build mid-1937. The 6M VIII model was introduced early 1937. These are the first alto´s with the ´real` 6M stamp (and the additional VIII identification). Highly sought after, as these alto´s are supposed to have the best intonation. A pristine example is hard to find these days. This one most likely has the original lacquer, and is in museum condition. The Ladyface engraving is beautiful and crisp sharp.

Condition : Almost mint condition! The body is in perfect shape, with no dents, damage or repairs. All locking screws and original amber rollers are present. The Conn reso-pads are in good condition: no need for replacement. The sax was overhauled by it´s previous owner around 2016. Neck is original (with the VIII stamp), without pulldown. The microtuner works great. The original case is in good condition also and has the nice Conn logo. Unique: this alto comes with the original warranty card!

Level : professional.

Body :  Lacquer : original lacquer.
Condition : excellent, almost mint!
Visual : No dents or damage.
Repairs : None.
Engraving : Very nice Ladyface engraving.

Keywork : Lacquer : original lacquer.
Condition : excellent, almost mint!
Pads : In good condition, Conn Reso-pads.

Neck : lacquer : original lacquer.
Condition : Almost mint. No pulldown.  Microtuner fully functional.

Features : Rolled tone holes / Double socket neck / microtuner. VIII stamp on body and neck.

Case : Original case, with Conn logo.
Case condition : Very good condition. Light wear only.

Remarks : There´s a lot of info (and rumours) on the internet on the early 6M alto model. As far as I can determine after years of online research and reverse engineering on my own stock of horns I come to the following conclusion:
1) The earliest alto´s with the complete 6M keywork start around serial M250xxx. Serial M250385 has the 6M-style left-hand pinky plateau: serial M249926 has the old ChuBerry left-hand pinky plateau. Although they don´t have the 6M stamp yet these are considered to be the ´early 6M´ alto´s.
2) These early 6M models do still have the swivel thumb rest and the old-style microtuner (with the double-ring) like the Transitional models. 
3) Around serial M2535xx (mid 1932) all alto´s have the additional A added to the serial number and feature the 6M wire pants guard.
4) The ´real´ 6M model has no serail M-prefix or added-A anymore and starts around serial 278000 (early 1937). It has the standard thumb rest and the improved neck with the knurly microtuner, as well as the VIII stamp on body and neck.
5) The last 6M VIII model was probably built end 1945.
6) The first 6M model without the VIII stamp was introduced early 1946, so shortly after Conn restarted their production after WWII.
7) Same conclusions apply for the 26M `Connqueror` models. As far as I can determine no 26M was built after Conn stopped producing saxophones due to WWII early 1942.