How I Recovered a Stolen Selmer Mark VI Saxophone
In 2018, I sold a Selmer Mark VI saxophone through my website to what appeared to be a legitimate buyer. Unfortunately, the buyer used a stolen credit card, and the instrument was intercepted from a UPS distribution facility before it could be delivered. It disappeared without a trace.
I filed a police report and listed the saxophone as stolen on my website, hoping it might surface again, though realistically, I didn’t expect that it would.
But earlier this year, something unexpected happened.
A Marketplace Listing and a Saxophonist Who Did the Right Thing
A well-known saxophonist in Maryland came across a Facebook Marketplace listing for a Selmer Mark VI saxophone. The listing included the serial number. He did a quick search online and found the stolen sax alert I had posted on my website. He reached out to me directly.
Thanks to his attention to detail and willingness to speak up, I was able to identify and begin the process of recovering the horn.
Offering a Reward Helped Facilitate the Return
Once I was in contact with the person who had the saxophone, I offered a reward for its safe return. That offer helped set a cooperative tone, and I believe it played a significant role in encouraging a resolution. The individual worked with me to return the instrument through straightforward communication and mutual understanding.
Steps I Took That Made Recovery Possible
1. Filed a Police Report
Immediately after the theft, I filed a report with the local police department. That documentation proved valuable in verifying ownership and providing a legal basis for recovery.
2. Posted the Serial Number Online
I created a dedicated page on my website stating that the saxophone had been stolen. Because it was indexed by search engines, that post surfaced when the Maryland saxophonist did a basic Google search.
Tip: If your saxophone is ever stolen, list the serial number online so it’s searchable. Include it on your own site and forums like Sax on the Web or relevant Facebook groups.
3. Maintained Ownership Records
I kept copies of the original sales documents, images of the horn, and a record of the transaction. These helped establish clear and documented ownership.
What to Do If Your Saxophone Is Stolen
If you're in a similar situation, here's what I recommend:
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File a police report immediately. Provide the serial number and full details.
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Create a searchable record. Post the serial number and any identifying info on your site and other public platforms.
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Notify the shipping company if the theft happened in transit.
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Keep documentation organized. Save invoices, emails, service records, and photos.
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Reach out to the saxophone community. Awareness makes a difference — players, techs, and collectors often recognize horns and can help identify stolen gear.
Final Thoughts
Thanks to the awareness of a fellow saxophonist and to the steps I took at the time of the theft, the saxophone was successfully recovered.
If you’re dealing with a stolen instrument, don't underestimate the impact of a simple online post or the willingness of someone in the saxophone community to do the right thing.
— Paul
DC Sax
paul@dcsax.com