FS: Old Valve Trombone IN C - 4 Valves - COUESNON

[davewerden]

A very rare instrument, that could be useful for some situations. Instead of the usual key of Bb, this is in C. It's also unusual in that it has 4 valves. Seller says the compression is good, and the photo of the valves looks like there are in very good shape. Bid starts at $300.

LISTING WITHDRAWN - SOLD ELSEWHERE?

https://www.ebay.com/itm/304483149268

[Snake Charmer]

Looks like a good find! The condition is fine for 115 years, not restored but well kept.
This type of valve trombone with 3+1 valves was not uncommon in France but went out of fashion around WW1. Models in C were mostly sold as "solist" horns, but also used in church ensembles, were music was always written in concert key. (In France tradionally valved low brass is learned with C fingerings, so have normally bass clef in Bb).
The fourth valve went out of fashion, maybe for the difficulty for playing in the low register with a very narrow bore instrument. French trombones, slide and valved, were very near the baroque ones until the 1960/70s.
I have a L.Besson (Paris) 3+1 valve C trombone made in 1893 with 5 7/8" bell (my 1983 Courtois: 8.5), it plays great, but sounds more like a trumpet and needs the same air speed.