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Grafton alto saxophone

Side view of a saxophone showing the cream coloured and clear acrylic parts. Side view of a saxophone showing the mouthpiece. Side view of a saxophone showing the cream coloured body. Side view of a saxophone showing the cream coloured body. Side view of a saxophone showing the separate parts. Close view of a saxophone showing the covered mouthpiece. Close view of a saxophone showing the uncovered mouthpiece. Side view of a saxophone showing the lanyard in place. Close view of a saxophone showing the lanyard. Close view of a saxophone showing the clear acrylic guard piece. Close view of a saxophone showing one of the inscriptions. Close view of a saxophone showing the metal hole covers. Close view of a saxophone showing one of the inscriptions. Close view of a saxophone showing the inside of the horn.
Side view of a saxophone showing the cream coloured and clear acrylic parts. Side view of a saxophone showing the mouthpiece. Side view of a saxophone showing the cream coloured body. Side view of a saxophone showing the cream coloured body. Side view of a saxophone showing the separate parts. Close view of a saxophone showing the covered mouthpiece. Close view of a saxophone showing the uncovered mouthpiece. Side view of a saxophone showing the lanyard in place. Close view of a saxophone showing the lanyard. Close view of a saxophone showing the clear acrylic guard piece. Close view of a saxophone showing one of the inscriptions. Close view of a saxophone showing the metal hole covers. Close view of a saxophone showing one of the inscriptions. Close view of a saxophone showing the inside of the horn.

Classification

Description

The Grafton alto saxophone is an injection moulded, cream-coloured acrylic saxophone with brass keys, manufactured in London by The Grafton Company and later by 'John E. Dallas and Sons Ltd'. Designed by Ettore (Hector) Sommaruga and patented in 1945, production commenced in 1950 but only lasted ten years. The body is produced in one piece and the bell is made of two. Less than 3000 were ever made and all tools, machinery and jigs required to manufacture the Grafton were sold for scrap and subsequently destroyed.
Designers & Manufacturers
Designer (Person)
Sommaruga, Ettore
Manufacturer
Grafton
John E. Dallas

Object number

AIBDC : 007765

Date

1950 - 1959 (circa)

Country

UK

Method

injection moulded

Material

plastic body
acrylic
Diakon - tradename
PMMA
polymethyl methacrylate
metal attachments
brass
Dimensions
Width
130mm
Height
680mm
Depth
400mm

Colour

cream
gold