This saxophone was made by Henri Selmer Co. in Paris, France, in 1935. It is an alto saxophone, Radio Improved Model, serial #20808. Accessioned with accessories and original case. This saxophone was previously owned and used by Willie Smith in the Harry James Band, as well as other jazz ensembles.
This clarinet was made by Henri Selmer in Paris, France around 1957 to 1958. It is a Boehm System clarinet in B-flay, “Centered Tone” model, serial #Q9851, made of grenadilla with silver keys and rings. This clarinet is stamped:
DEPOSE HENRI SELMER FRANCE Centered Tone
Cuban-born jazz clarinetist, Paquito D’Rivera acquired this clarinet in the late 1950s and continued to use it until he donated the clarinet to the museum in 2005. D-Rivera has received several awards and honors, including twelve Grammys, NEA Jazz Masters, Kennedy Center Living Jazz Legend award, and a National Medal of the Arts in 2005.