[Tradjazz] "badged" musical instruments

[trevor rippingale]

Dear fellow discussion groupers,
           S.O.S. for information : "badging" of instruments.
I have a metal clarinet branded "GRETSCH" , Serial Number : 9243A
   I can't find any internet reference to clarinets being made by this famous company, so I assume this must have been a marketing ploy having had them made by another company, e.g. Conn, Buescher, Martin, King etc. 
                          Can anyone advise me please
(i) whether this is so, which company(ies) actually made the instrument, did Gretsch market other horns in this way as well, and if so in which years ? Perhaps there may be a serial number catalogue I can consult ?
(ii) the year of manufacture of the serial number above ?
(iii) what other "badge engineering" took place with other makes, and when ? I'm aware of C Melody saxophones branded "VEGA" and "WURLITZER".  What other firms might have done similarly, and for what sort of instruments and when ?  
          I'd be most appreciative of any information anyone can give me. I find this a fascinating can of worms, and one I can't seem to crack open on the internet.
                        Trevor Rippingale (New Wolverines, Sydney)