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i need some opinions/amateur appraisals on what you guys think my pre ww1 cg conn helicon (engraved with an official us navy commissioning) is worth, conservative & liberal estimates both...starting fri morning, please respond via text/call 636 667 5320...thanks in advance

it does play btw

its bb flat and valves are free

kevin eckelkamp wrote:its bb flat and valves are free

I sold a similar age Conn BBb that had been undented and reassembled, had good valves without replating, US Army markings (USQMC) for about $1000 (don't have my records handy to verify that - could have been $1200. Or $1000 plus $200 for shipping - something like that.)

YMMV

In playable condition - $600-800
In playing condition $1000-1200
Fully restored $2000-++++
Ultimately , it's worth what someone is willing to pay for it

I also would say in the $500-800 range. A lot depends on the back side and how dented it is. If I saw this horn in an antique store, I wouldn't hesitate for $500, but would probably pass at $800.

How it plays is the probably defining factor. If the valves are reasonably good, meaning that it will seal (with valve oil on the valves) well enough not to leak, and will produce a good sound, it is probably worth at least $900, and may be worth $1,100 to $1,200. I have a very similar horn, which plays well. I would not let it go for less than $1,000. On the other hand, I don't want to sell it, so I can "afford" to hold out for $1,000!

Here's a fairly similar one, although it's in better shape than yours:
viewtopic.php?f=4&t=42579&hilit=helicon