Conn New Wonder II Virtuoso Deluxe 139940
CG Conn
SUMMARY: Introduced in 1924, the New Wonder Series 2 line would be Conn's mainstay line of saxophones until they began the transition into the Artist Series in the early 1930s.
COLLOQUIAL NAMES: New Wonder Series II, New Wonder II, NWII, NW2, Chu Berry
DATE: 1924
MANUFACTURER: C.G. Conn
PRODUCTION LOCATION: Elkhart, IN, United States
PRODUCT LINE: New Wonder
MODEL: 10M
TYPE: Tenor
SERIAL NO.: 139940
FINISH: Burnished Gold Plate, "Finish 000"
CATALOG NO.: CG139940BbTS
PROVENANCE:
On Loan From 
History
The New Wonder, Series II, line was Conn’s production model from 1924 until 1931. Along with Conn’s standard features such as drawn and rolled toneholes, res-o-pads, locking pivot screws, split bell keys, G# and Eb trill keys, single-rod stack mechanisms, Mother of Pearl Rollers and micro-tuners on the alto and C-Melody saxes, the New Wonder II included several mechanical improvements. Palm keys now stopped against the body instead of against posts protruding from the body, the left hand pinky table was enlarged and the G# touch was changed to the “nail file” design, ergonomics were improved, and the engravings were changed and updated. Famous players of the New Wonder II line include Gerry Mulligan,
Features
This example is in its original gold burnished gold plated finish. It is a Virtuoso Deluxe instrument. All key touches, not just the stack keys, feature Mother of Pearl inlays with the exceptions of the octave key touch which is inlaid with silver, and the palm Eb touch which has been replaced with a standard brass touch. The bell features an engraving of an eagle clutching arrows, flags, and an olive branch above the company logo which reads "Made By C.G. Conn, Ltd. Elkhart - IND U.S.A." This engraving is suffounded by a floral design which extends down around the bow and onto the body tube. It retains the New Wonder I style palm keys that stop against posts.
Additional Resources
- Haynes patent: US1119954A