How to tell what type of Buffet Clarinet you have
Buffet Clarinet identification .Model designation
n�1 indicates polycylindrical bore
Am�rique appears to be the designation for an R13 made for American market
It looks like that if there are no other codes, it is assumed to be a R13
Decoding the letter and number sequence
For a sequence such as BCxxyy(c)-d-e ……………
BC = Buffet Crampon
xx
This specifies the key, with
11 = Bb (old code, SiB=Bb)
12 = A (old code, La=A)
15 = Eb (old code, MiB=Eb)
17 = F
yy
This specifies the model, with
02 = E13
12 = RC
31 = R13
83 = Prestige RC Bass to Eb
93 = Prestige RC Bass to low C
23 = Basset
c
Optional code, meaning
G = greenline
L = Left hand Eb lever
d
Specifies key plating, where
02 = silver
05 = nickle
e
Specifies pitch
0 = 440
2 = 442
4 = 444
So
BC1131(L)-02-0 equals a Bb (11) R13 (31) with a LH Eb lever (L) with silver plated keys (02) tuned to 440 (0)
Information attributed to Jack Kissinger and Francois Kloc
Edit:
For completeness, the website to check the serial number of your instrument (for E13 and professional models) is
http://www.buffet-crampon.com/en