Buffet-Crampon Clarinet, used by Artie Shaw: Museum Object and Cultural History

The object in the museum catalogue

This B-flat clarinet (top instrument), serial number 22457, was made by Buffet-Crampon & Cie. Paris, France. 1938. It was previously owned and used by American jazz musician and band leader, Artie Shaw (1910 - 2004).

This B-flat clarinet (bottom instrument), serial number M6727, was made by Henri Selmer. Paris, France. 1945. It was previously owned and used by American jazz musician and band leader, Artie Shaw (1910 - 2004).

Shaw achieved International success with his recording of “Beguine the Beguine” in 1938. He continued his career performing around the world, selling thousands of records, and appearing on film and television. By the end of 1954 Shaw made his last appearance as a clarinetist and stopped performing to pursue other interests.

Materials, dates and provenance

• date made: 1938
• user: Shaw, Artie
• maker: Buffet-Crampon & Cie.
• Object Name: clarinet
• Physical Description: wood, ebony (overall material)
• Physical Description: metal (overall material)
• Measurements: overall: 29 in x 3 1/4 in; 73.66 cm x 8.255 cm
• place made: France: Île-de-France, Paris
• ID Number: 2003.0264.01
• serial number: 22457
• accession number: 2003.0264
• catalog number: 2003.0264.01
• Credit Line: Gift of Artie Shaw
• Data Source: National Museum of American History

Sources and reuse

Catalogue descriptions and facts adapted from National Museum of American History through the Smithsonian's official Open Access dataset. This record explicitly marks its metadata CC0 1.0; formatting and selection have been changed.