Antoine Courtois, Paris Trompete 1920 - Silber

Antoine Courtois Paris – Antique Bb Trumpet, Silver-Plated, c. 1920s–30s – Serial No. 25653

A rare and historically significant antique Bb trumpet by the celebrated Parisian maker Antoine Courtois, Breveté, Fournisseur du Conservatoire National, 8 Rue de Nancy, Paris.

The bell carries the full engraved award record of the house of Courtois: Médaille d’Or Paris 1878, 1889 & 1900, Grands Prix Liège 1905, Bruxelles 1910, Turin 1911, Genève 1921, and a stamped medallion reading “Hors Concours – Chicago 1893 / St. Louis 1904” — testifying to the workshop’s international reputation at the height of the French instrument-making tradition.

Based on serial number 25653, the instrument dates to approximately 1922–1935. It is fully silver-plated and displays the fine craftsmanship characteristic of Courtois in this period: elaborately machined valve caps, decoratively turned slides, an ornate mouthpiece receiver, and a finely profiled bell.

Included:

• Complete trumpet (all three piston valves with pistons present)

• All tuning slides (main, 1st, 2nd, 3rd)

• Original Courtois mouthpiece (engraved: Antoine Courtois, Rue de Nancy, Paris)

Condition:

The silver plating is heavily worn through in the valve section, main tuning slide and several tube sections, with the underlying brass fully exposed in places. All valve pistons are present and move; however, they show significant wear and corrosion spotting, and the felt bumpers are tired. The instrument was fully disassembled for documentation purposes and will be playable after professional service (valve cleaning, cork/felt replacement, flushing). No visible cracks or dents to the bell.

This instrument represents an outstanding piece of French brass instrument history — ideal for collectors, museum acquisition, or experienced restorers with an interest in the Belle Époque and interwar Parisian tradition.

Shipping: securely packed, insured. Collection in Berlin possible.