Concertone brand older baritone

[Lebowitz]

Hi all, just curious if anyone has heard of the name Concertone. I just picked up an old baritone from an antique shop and I can't find a lot of info on it. Unfortunately, I am unable to upload any pics. The only info I have really found is it might have been offered through Sears, so it could be just a store brand. If I am to guess, I'm thinking its from late 30's to 40's, (possibly a little later) because it had a small booklet of music with it around that time. Thanks for any info!

[Lebowitz]

No, it has no etching on the receiver and only says Concertone on the neck below the bell. I was looking for a Made by.. or something similar. I am even having difficulty locating a serial number. I have looked on the back of the valves and such. It is very hard to tell if it is has nickle plating or the brass is so worn down it's became raw looking. In the sunlight it I can see a glint of yellow. It is a neat old instrument that I hated to see become a wall ornament or flower pot, so I decided to try to salvage it. It needs very little work. If I find out anything else, I will post it. Appreciate it!

[windshieldbug]

From Horn-u-copia:

"Concertone is the name that Montgomery Ward Department Stores stenciled on Czech instruments they imported. 1918-1939."

And a 1937 catalog.

[Lebowitz]

Oh WOW! Hey, thanks Bug! Yep, there it is, the Baritone..I even got the original case and sheet music holder. I love finding stuff like this. I am hoping the tinkerer has some time in the future to maybe do a little soldering work on it. I am sure it isn't worth a whole bunch, but it is a neat old horn and want to get it back in shape. Thanks a bunch for the info guys!

[iiipopes]

I like the first page after the cover: "Organize Your Own Band," with suggested instrumentation!

[Rick Denney]

I like the first page after the cover: "Organize Your Own Band," with suggested instrumentation!

Basses outnumbering flutes--not gonna happen!

Rick "thinking their profit margin must have been greatest on clarinets" Denney

[Lebowitz]

"Sheet music holder"...geesh. I meant lyre. I'm getting old in my close to middle age.

[windshieldbug]

I may not have been barking up the right tree, but - at least - I was in the grove, eh?

Sure were!

[scottw]

We bought one last year and it's a very nice player. Can't speak for all of them, but our's is a good one.

[Lebowitz]

Who's rec. bass is that...Buescher...??

That is my Schiller Symphonic. I was looking at Wessex and found out they quit selling them. Fun horn, top heavy though.