J. Altrichter Rare Antique BBb Tuba Brass Germany Frankfurt Late 19th Early 20th Century

This is a rare antique BBb tuba manufactured by J. Altrichter, a historical German court instrument maker based in Frankfurt an der Oder, Germany.

Estimated production period: late 19th – early 20th century.

Information about this maker is extremely limited and fragmented. I am not a professional musician; all historical references provided here are based on archival sources and specialist publications available online.

According to the inscription on the manufacturer’s coat of arms, the workshop operated as a court instrument factory (Hof-Instrumenten-Fabrik) for His Royal Highness Prince Friedrich Karl of Prussia.

The factory was active from the mid-19th century in Frankfurt an der Oder (today Frankfurt (Oder), on the German-Polish border).

Ferdinand Julius Hermann Altrichter (1842–1915), a native of Frankfurt an der Oder, initially worked as a harmonica manufacturer around 1868 before transitioning into brass and woodwind instrument production. His craftsmanship earned him the title of court supplier.

Later, he opened a branch in Berlin, and at its peak, the workshop employed up to 55 workers. After his death, the business was continued by his wife Margarete and son Erich Altrichter before eventually being dissolved.

CONDITION

Considering its venerable age, the tuba is in very good preserved condition.

Small operational dents are present and consistent with age; they do not affect the overall appearance

Valves and key mechanisms move freely, without sticking or jamming

Includes an original brass mouthpiece

Two minor issues are clearly shown in the photos and marked with red circles:

A small crack

Two missing cork inserts on the key mechanism

An experienced brass instrument technician can address both issues quickly.

IMPORTANT NOTES

Please study all photos carefully.

Additional photos can be provided upon request.

This tuba is offered AS IS as a historical collectible instrument.

ATTENTION EUROPEAN BUYERS: The instrument is currently physically located in Latvia (European Union). It will be safely shipped from Latvia, so you will NOT pay any customs duties, import taxes, or VAT within the EU. Fast and tax-free shipping across Europe!

NO RETURNS.
Due to the instrument’s size and collectible nature, returns are not accepted.

Any import duties, taxes, or customs fees in the destination country are the responsibility of the buyer.

The instrument will be professionally packed and carefully shipped.

This is a genuine historical rarity — instruments of this origin and period are becoming increasingly scarce worldwide.