Here's a good deal on a 5-digit Selmer Mark VI tenor from 1955. This horn is American-engraved and assembled in Elkhart, IN. It has its original lacquer and looks good. The neck is marked "S" on the back of the tenon, and is a Selmer Mark VI neck made at the same time as the horn that the original owner preferred to the neck with the serial number stamped on it. (The lacquer matches the horn on this neck, and the wear matches, and it's from the right vintage, but there is no serial number on the neck.) It also has an 8 engraved inside the tenon and on the octave key underside. That is the last number of the horn's serial number, but I have not seen that before, so it may just be a coincidence.
This horn plays just like you would expect a 1955 Mark VI to play: medium dark, punchy, fairly focused and free blowing. It is a fun Mark VI to play, and it should make just about any fan of 5-digit Mark VI's happy. The price is quite low because the neck is not serial numbered. This makes it a good chance to save thousands off the usual price of an early 5-digit Mark VI for a reason that is not because of past repairs or anything.
Cosmetically, you have some normal lacquer wear from use, and some dents have been removed from the bow area (it is smooth now). The neck looks great and has not been damaged; the body tube looks great and has not been damaged, and the bell flare also looks great and has not been damaged. Pads are medium-old, so plan on either replacing a fair number of them, or getting this repadded. It includes the Pro-Tec case in the photos, or you can upgrade to a BAM case for a little extra if you want (the BAM Cabine cases are incredible).
