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.
Not sure yours is a Selmer? If the engraving reads differently, it might be a Conn, a Buescher, or a King — we've got serial number guides for those too, and the saxophone serial numbers guide shows which chart fits every other maker.
The complete Selmer Paris serial numbers reference, covering every model from the original Model 22 (1922) through to the Super Action 80 Series II (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.
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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.
Where to Find the Serial Number on a Selmer Saxophone
And how the location moved between 1922 and 1992
On most Selmer Paris saxophones the serial number is stamped on the back of the body tube, below the thumb rest and above the bow, at the foot of a block of text that also carries the maker line and a run of patent numbers. It is usually preceded by the letter M and a full stop.
The stamp is shallow and easily lost under tarnish or worn lacquer. Tilt the instrument so light rakes across the surface at a low angle rather than hitting it straight on, and the digits will lift out of the metal. A soft dry cloth is enough; metal polish removes finish and reduces the instrument's value.
The serial number sits at the foot of the block, beneath the maker line and the patent numbers. The longer numbers above it are patents, not serials.
How the Position Changed Between Eras
Because this chart spans seventy years of production, the location is not fixed. Where you look depends on roughly when the instrument was built:
Early models, before about 1940 — the number may sit near the top of the body tube, or on the left-hand side of the bell, rather than below the thumb rest. Model 22, Model 26 and Cigar Cutter horns are the ones to check carefully.
Balanced Action onwards — the position settles at the back of the body tube below the thumb rest, and stays there for the rest of the run.
The neck — carries its own stamping on many Selmers. Useful, but it is the body number that dates the instrument.
The bell engraving — the Henri Selmer Paris maker's mark is decorative, not a number you can date. Do not confuse it with the stamp block.
Whatever the era, enter only the digits into the lookup tool above — the M prefix is not part of the number you look up. If your instrument turns out to be a Mark VI, the Mark VI serial number guide goes further into matching the neck stamp to the body and what the range means for value.
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:
The Selmer Mark VI is the model most people arrive here looking for, and it has a chart of its own: see Selmer Mark VI serial numbers for the year-by-year ranges from 1954 to 1974, where to find the number on the horn, and what the serial range means for value.
Model 22
1922–1925
The first Selmer Paris saxophone. Based on earlier Adolphe Sax designs with split bell keys and a straight tone-hole layout.
750 – 4,450
Model 26
1926–1929
Refined keywork from the Model 22 with improved intonation. Sometimes called the 'New Large Bore' model.
4,451 – 11,950
Cigar Cutter / Super Sax
1930–1933
Named for the distinctive octave key mechanism. A transitional model that introduced several ergonomic improvements.
11,951 – 18,700
Radio Improved
1934–1935
A short-lived model with a brighter, more projecting tone designed for the radio broadcast era. Quite rare today.
18,701 – 21,750
Balanced Action
1936–1947
A landmark design that repositioned the key clusters for more comfortable hand positions. Favoured by many jazz legends for its warm, dark tone.
21,751 – 35,800
Super Action
1948–1953
Also called the Super Balanced Action. Further refinements to the Balanced Action's keywork with a slightly brighter, more centred sound.
35,801 – 55,200
Mark VI
1954–1974
Widely considered the greatest saxophone ever made. The Selmer Mark VI tenor and Selmer Mark VI alto set the standard by which all professional saxophones are still judged. Highly sought after by collectors and players alike.
55,201 – 220,800
Mark VII
1974–1980
Introduced modernised keywork and a slightly larger bore. Often underrated — many professional players appreciate its powerful, even tone.
220,801 – 315,500
Super Action 80
1981–1985
A return to a more traditional feel after the Mark VII. Excellent build quality and a versatile, centred tone.
315,501 – 378,800
Super Action 80 / Series II
1986–1992+
The Series II remains in production today as one of the most popular professional saxophones worldwide. A refined, flexible instrument suitable for any genre.
378,801 – 490,000+
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
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. See where to find the serial number for how the position changed between eras.
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. For the full year-by-year breakdown, see the Selmer Mark VI serial number chart.
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. Among vintage horns generally, the Mark VI is usually named alongside three other benchmark professional models: the American-made Conn 10M "Naked Lady", the Buescher Aristocrat "400", and the King Super 20, as the horns collectors most often cite when discussing the best vintage saxophones ever made.
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 — see Selmer USA & Bundy serial numbers for which chart does.
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.
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.
