This is a beautiful Conn 6M alto saxophone dating to approximately 1934-1935 – an especially desirable period in Conn’s pre-war production and one closely associated with the earliest M-series “Lady Face” / “Naked Lady” altos.

For many players and collectors, this is the Conn alto period that matters most. These horns occupy a special place in the vintage saxophone world for good reason: they combine classic pre-war Conn build quality, highly expressive tonal character, and a visual presence that immediately sets them apart from later production instruments. They are not simply old professional altos – they are among the most charismatic American saxophones ever made.

This particular example is especially attractive for its excellent original lacquer condition. The finish presents beautifully, with a rich, warm glow and a notably clean, well-preserved appearance throughout. The body shows no noticeable dents or scratches, and there are no signs of prior repair work, making this a particularly appealing example for the buyer who values originality and clean structural history. The engraving remains visible and elegant, and the horn has the kind of presentation that reads immediately as well cared for and unusually honest.

In hand and under the fingers, these early 6Ms are known for their unmistakable Conn voice: broad, resonant, flexible, and alive. They have a fullness and dimensionality that modern altos often struggle to imitate – warm and complex at softer dynamics, but capable of real authority and edge when leaned into. It is a sound with genuine personality, and one that has kept the best Conn altos in demand for generations.

This horn also sits in an especially desirable design window. Early M-series examples like this are associated with many of the features players seek out in the classic 6M platform, including the overall pre-war build and tonal architecture that helped establish the 6M as one of the iconic American altos of the 20th century. Surviving examples in this level of original cosmetic condition are becoming harder to find.

Why We Love It

• Early Conn 6M / Lady Face era example
• Serial number M261654A, Circa 1934-1935
• Classic pre-war Conn professional build
• Excellent original lacquer
• No noticeable dents, scratches, or signs of repair
• Strong visual presentation and clean structural condition
• A classic pre-war American professional alto with real tonal personality

Condition

• Excellent overall condition
• Original lacquer presents beautifully; only a few very small wear spots to the lacquer
• No noticeable dents
• No noticeable scratches
• No visible signs of past repair work
• Clean, attractive, and unusually well-preserved example
• Strong engraving and highly attractive presentation

Our Take

Clean, original, and from one of the most desirable periods of Conn production, this is exactly the kind of pre-war alto that continues to stand out in today’s market. It has the visual appeal, tonal pedigree, and structural honesty that serious buyers look for, without the compromises so often found in vintage professional saxophones of this age.

Whether viewed as a first-rate player’s horn or as a particularly attractive example of the classic Conn 6M, this is a saxophone with lasting appeal.

A beautiful and highly desirable pre-war Conn 6M alto saxophone. Comes with the original case in good condition as well as the original tools that shipped with it.