LeBlanc G Paris France series question

[whardin]

I inherited this a while back and since being laid off i need to see if i can possibly find out what it's worth,i hate getting rid of it due to sentimental reasons but times are really tough.
The clarinet is stamped with G,LeBlanc Paris France and then the Roman Numeral 3.
The serial number is 15557 and it seems to be made of a dark wood,possibly cherry?
No cracks or damage in the wood but the metal is somewhat tarnished,nothing a good cleaning wont fix.

The mouth piece says Noblet Paris and has the cover,it has 2 pieces,i assume one is an extra which connects to the mouth piece itself,both are stamped with G LeBlanc Paris and the roman numeral 3.

All the cork is in great shape and everything fits very tight together,the small white pads probably need replacing since they are loose.

There is also a metal piece that i can only describe as an upside down U which has a screw at the bottom and a thumb lever looking deal at the top which presses on a piece of metal when pushed.

The case is old and lined with a red fabric (unknown) and has a tag inside that says LeBlanc Paris with a black outline with gold designs around it,the case is dirty but is not damaged with leather trim and what looks like a woven tan mesh (almost looks like bamboo).
There is a 1 1/2 by 1 1/2 metal plate on the outside that has LeBlanc stamped on it and also the words "LeBlanc Paris.........Manufacture Artistque Dinstruments De Musique"

I can post pictures but I'm not sure if it's allowed here since i haven't seen any.
I can E-Mail them if needed.

Any help would be appreciated on an appraisal and any info on this,i tried calling a few music shops but they charge for appraisals and i just don't have the funds for it at the moment.

I hope i covered everything and i welcome any help on this and thank anyone beforehand for taking the time to help me.

[skurtzweil]

Hello -

Please forgive my delay in responding. I have been out of the office for last three weeks and am now getting caught up.

Based on your description, its diffuclt to say what you may have. I can tell you that the III is part of the logo and not a model number, The clarinet is likely rosewood and the serial number puts the it prior to 1964 (which is the extent of the records we have). Can you tell me if the G in G. Leblanc is above the Leblanc or in line with it?

Chances are the clarinet is from the 1950's and could be worth between $500 - $1000 depending on the condition and local market. The location of the G in the logo stamp will help me narrow the estimate.

Cheers - Scott Kurtzweil