So glad to see...

[Dan Schultz]

.....The cut and ferruled top bow and third branch make me want to cry. Why would you do this?....

I'll bet that the top bow on that horn was damaged, worked, damage, and worked to the point where it became cracked and torn. That point on a large branch is usually pretty thin. However, I saw a fellow make a cut like that in the bottom bow of a baritone once just to get some dents out!

[MartyNeilan]

In some economy overhaul shops, I believe the bow cutting to be standard practice; I have even heard of bad techs "brag" about doing it to school music teachers. Fortunately,I have never worked with any of those shops.

[Dan Schultz]

Well, that's not a spot that usually takes a repeated beating as it's hidden underneath the bell, but I suppose anything is possible... The red flag that this wasn't case to me is that it's not the only bow on the horn that been given that treatment.

You know... I didn't notice the other two bows that had annular patches on them until you mentioned it. The leadpipe is also patched. This horn obviously had a long grade school career!