Selmer Serial Numbers

Q: How do I find the serial number on a Selmer saxophone?

Selmer Paris saxophone serial numbers are typically engraved on the back of the body near the thumb rest, or on the left-hand side of the bell. On older models (pre-1940) it may appear near the top of the body tube.

Q: What years were the Selmer Mark VI produced?

The Selmer Mark VI was produced from 1954 (serial number 55201) through to 1974. Both the Selmer Mark VI tenor and Selmer Mark VI alto share the same serial number sequence. After serial number 231,000 in 1974, production transitioned to the Mark VII.

Q: What is the most sought-after Selmer saxophone?

The Selmer Mark VI is widely considered the most desirable saxophone ever made. Both the Selmer Mark VI alto and tenor from the mid-1950s to late 1960s (serial numbers roughly 55000–170000) command the highest prices among collectors and professional players.

Q: Is my Selmer a Balanced Action or a Super Action?

The Balanced Action was produced from 1936 (serial 21751) through 1947 (serial 35800). The Super Action (also called Super Balanced Action) ran from 1948 (serial 35801) through 1953 (serial 55200). Use the serial number lookup tool on this page to identify your model.

Q: Do the Selmer sax serial numbers differ between soprano, alto, tenor, and baritone?

All Selmer Paris saxophones share a single sequential serial number run. A Selmer Mark VI alto and a Selmer Mark VI tenor made in the same year will fall within the same range. The lookup tool on this page works for any Selmer sax regardless of size.

Q: Can I get help learning to play my Selmer with saxophone lessons?

Yes. SaxTeacher UK offers saxophone lessons in person in South East London and online, covering everything from first notes to advanced jazz improvisation. Working with a teacher will help you get the most out of your instrument, whether it's a vintage Balanced Action or a modern Series II.

By SaxTeacher UK 22 Mar 2026 5 min read

Selmer Paris saxophones are among the most revered instruments in the history of jazz and popular music — and the Selmer Mark VI is the single most sought-after sax ever made. Whether you've inherited a vintage horn, picked one up at a car boot sale, or are considering a purchase, the first step is always the same: check the Selmer Paris serial numbers to find the year and model. This page gives you a complete Selmer sax serial numbers chart, an instant lookup tool, and a guide to every model from 1922 to 1992.

Where to Find It

The serial number is usually engraved on the back of the body near the thumb rest, or on the left-hand side of the bell on older instruments.

Selmer Paris Only

This chart covers Selmer Paris instruments only — not Selmer USA, Selmer Bundy, or other licensed brands which have separate numbering systems.

Serial Number Lookup

Enter your serial number to identify your Selmer

Selmer Paris Serial Number Checker

What year is my Selmer saxophone?

Simply enter any number between 750 and 490,000. The tool covers every Selmer Paris saxophone produced between 1922 and 1992, from the original Model 22 through to the Super Action 80 Series II — including every Selmer Mark VI tenor and Selmer Mark VI alto ever made. Results show the year of manufacture, the model name, and the full Selmer serial numbers range for that year.

Selmer Model Guide

A brief history of each Selmer Paris saxophone model

Selmer Paris produced nine principal saxophone models over seventy years. Each Selmer represented a significant evolution in keywork, ergonomics, and tonal design — culminating in the legendary Selmer Mark VI. Here's a quick guide to what makes each model distinctive:

Whether you've just identified a vintage Balanced Action or confirmed you own a sought-after Mark VI, the next step is making it sing. If you'd like expert guidance on getting the best out of your Selmer — or any saxophone — saxophone lessons are available in person in South East London and online. From beginners picking up the instrument for the first time to advanced players working on tone and repertoire, every lesson is tailored to you. Book a lesson to get started.

Complete Serial Number Table

Every Selmer Paris saxophone from 1922 to 1992

Selmer Paris Serial Numbers

Year	Model	Serial Range

Year

Model

Serial Range

1922

Model 22

750 – 1,400

1923

Model 22

1,401 – 2,350

1924

Model 22

2,351 – 3,350

1925

Model 22

3,351 – 4,450

1926

Model 26

4,451 – 5,600

1927

Model 26

5,601 – 7,850

1928

Model 26

7,851 – 9,700

1929

Model 26

9,701 – 11,950

1930

Cigar Cutter / Super Sax

11,951 – 14,000

1931

Cigar Cutter / Super Sax

14,001 – 15,750

1932

Cigar Cutter / Super Sax

15,751 – 17,250

1933

Cigar Cutter / Super Sax

17,251 – 18,700

1934

Radio Improved

18,701 – 20,100

1935

Radio Improved

20,101 – 21,750

1936

Balanced Action

21,751 – 22,650

1937

Balanced Action

22,651 – 25,600

1938

Balanced Action

25,601 – 27,650

1939

Balanced Action

27,651 – 29,300

1940

Balanced Action

29,301 – 29,750

1941

Balanced Action

29,751 – 30,500

1942

Balanced Action

30,501 – 31,150

1943

Balanced Action

31,151 – 31,580

1944

Balanced Action

31,581 – 31,850

1945

Balanced Action

31,851 – 32,350

1946

Balanced Action

32,351 – 33,700

1947

Balanced Action

33,701 – 35,800

1948

Super Action

35,801 – 38,500

1949

Super Action

38,501 – 41,500

1950

Super Action

41,501 – 45,100

1951

Super Action

45,101 – 48,300

1952

Super Action

48,301 – 51,800

1953

Super Action

51,801 – 55,200

1954

Mark VI

55,201 – 59,000

1955

Mark VI

59,001 – 63,400

1956

Mark VI

63,401 – 68,900

1957

Mark VI

68,901 – 74,500

1958

Mark VI

74,501 – 80,400

1959

Mark VI

80,401 – 85,200

1960

Mark VI

85,201 – 91,300

1961

Mark VI

91,301 – 97,300

1962

Mark VI

97,301 – 104,500

1963

Mark VI

104,501 – 112,500

1964

Mark VI

112,501 – 121,600

1965

Mark VI

121,601 – 131,800

1966

Mark VI

131,801 – 141,500

1967

Mark VI

141,501 – 152,400

1968

Mark VI

152,401 – 162,500

1969

Mark VI

162,501 – 173,800

1970

Mark VI

173,801 – 184,900

1971

Mark VI

184,901 – 196,000

1972

Mark VI

196,001 – 208,700

1973

Mark VI

208,701 – 220,800

1974

Mark VI / Mark VII

220,801 – 233,900

1975

Mark VII

233,901 – 246,800

1976

Mark VII

246,801 – 261,100

1977

Mark VII

261,101 – 276,100

1978

Mark VII

276,101 – 289,700

1979

Mark VII

289,701 – 303,100

1980

Mark VII

303,101 – 315,500

1981

Super Action 80

315,501 – 327,300

1982

Super Action 80

327,301 – 340,200

1983

Super Action 80

340,201 – 353,300

1984

Super Action 80

353,301 – 366,400

1985

Super Action 80

366,401 – 378,800

1986

Super Action 80 / Series II

378,801 – 391,000

1987

Super Action 80 / Series II

391,001 – 406,000

1988

Super Action 80 / Series II

406,001 – 422,500

1989

Super Action 80 / Series II

422,501 – 439,600

1990

Super Action 80 / Series II

439,601 – 457,500

1991

Super Action 80 / Series II

457,501 – 473,600

1992

Super Action 80 / Series II

473,601 – 490,000

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I find the serial number on a Selmer saxophone? +

On most Selmer Paris saxophones, the serial number is engraved on the back of the body near the thumb rest. On earlier models (pre-1940), it may appear near the top of the body tube or on the left-hand side of the bell. The number is always stamped directly into the brass.

What years were the Selmer Mark VI produced? +

The Selmer Mark VI was produced from 1954 (serial number 55,201) through to 1974. Both the Selmer Mark VI tenor and Selmer Mark VI alto share the same serial number sequence. After serial number 231,000 the production transitioned to the Mark VII. The most sought-after Mark VIs are generally those from the mid-1950s to late 1960s.

What is the most sought-after Selmer saxophone? +

The Selmer Mark VI is widely regarded as the most desirable saxophone ever produced. Both the Selmer Mark VI alto and tenor from the early to mid-production years (roughly serial numbers 55,000 to 170,000) tend to command the highest prices among collectors and professional musicians. The Balanced Action and Super (Balanced) Action models are also highly valued by players who prefer their warmer, darker tonal qualities.

Is my Selmer a Balanced Action or a Super Action? +

The Balanced Action was produced from 1936 (serial 21,751) through 1947 (serial 35,800). The Super Action (sometimes called Super Balanced Action) ran from 1948 (serial 35,801) through 1953 (serial 55,200). Use the serial number lookup tool at the top of this page to identify your specific instrument.

Does this chart cover Selmer USA or Selmer Bundy saxophones? +

No. This serial number chart covers Selmer Paris instruments only. Selmer USA (based in Elkhart, Indiana) and the student-line Bundy brand used entirely separate serial numbering systems. If your saxophone says "Elkhart" or "Bundy" on it, this chart will not apply.

Do the Selmer sax serial numbers differ between soprano, alto, tenor, and baritone? +

All Selmer Paris saxophones — soprano, alto, tenor, and baritone — share a single sequential serial number run. That means a Selmer Mark VI alto and a Selmer Mark VI tenor made in the same year will fall within the same range. You can use the lookup tool on this page for any Selmer sax regardless of which size it is.

Can I get help learning to play my Selmer with saxophone lessons? +

Absolutely. Whether you've just acquired your first Selmer or you're a returning player dusting off a vintage horn, working with a teacher will help you get the most out of it. SaxTeacher UK offers saxophone lessons in person in South East London and online — covering everything from your first notes to advanced jazz improvisation. Get in touch to book a lesson.

Filed under

Saxophone Tips

SaxTeacher UK Founder

SaxTeacher UK is a woodwind and piano teacher based in South East London. With 17 years of individual and group tuition experience. Get in touch for in-person or online lessons.

All author posts

Book a Lesson

Your information will be forwarded to me and I will get back to you as soon as I can.

Give me a call

+(44)7704 762 561

We are committed to protecting your privacy. We will never collect information about you.

Selmer Serial Numbers

Where to Find It

Selmer Paris Only

Get Free Sheet Music & Tips

Serial Number Lookup

Enter your serial number to identify your Selmer

Selmer Model Guide

A brief history of each Selmer Paris saxophone model

Complete Serial Number Table

Every Selmer Paris saxophone from 1922 to 1992

Related posts

Book a Lesson