After the fun I had sprucing up my anonymous German ebay purchase I decided to take on something needing a bit more work. The result is a six key, William Hall & Son (stamped 239 Broadway N. York German Silver). It has the lower key for Eflat but a short foot without the C and Csharp holes. Light weight, looks like cocus. Small finger holes.
I’d appreciate any information on the maker. Also the wood is very dry with wide cracks in the head and barel. What’s the best way to “rehydrate” and will that help to close up the cracks before attempting a repair. Head and barel are brass lined.
Keith
For rehydration prior to a crack repair:
Strip all the keys and rings off of it, so that the metal is removed.
Then put it in a Ziplock bag with a damp rag, keep the rag from touching the wood.
Set the bag under a lamp, the mild heat will cause the moisture in the bag to equalize between the wood and the bag. Depending on the dryness of the wood, you will want to let it sit for anywhere from 1 week to 8 weeks.
Have fun on it 
-Aaron
Aaron,
thanks for the tip. Is it important to remove the metalwork? The pads are shot anyway, and the brass/german silver presumably cant rust. It is bone dry so I’ll just have to be patient if it does take several weeks
Keith