FS: Antique Valve Trombones

[chriswaage]

I have been asked by the estate of Kansas City trombonist and bandleader Steve Miller to sell several of the instruments he has collected over the years. These are valve trombones from the late 1800s and early 1900s. All are in restorable condition, and are playable as-is. I have done nothing beyond oil the valves and play-test the instruments - they are in "as-is" condition.

I am accepting offers on behalf of the estate. Shipping will be on a per-instrument quote using the buyer's preferred method of shipping. The cost of shipping will also include $15 for a box and packing materials.

Please let me know if you would like additional pictures, measurements, etc. I can also provide video of the instruments including playing the instruments.

1. Goumat & Co. Valve Trombone
From what I have been able to find, the Goumat & Co. brand was possibly made by Bohland or Fuchs in Germany and imported by J.W. Jenkins Music of Kansas City. Jenkins was a fixture in the Kansas City area from the late 1800s until its sale to Schmitt Music in 1997.

This instrument is the roughest of the lot. There is no lacquer on the bell section, and the silver plating on the rest of the instrument is quite tarnished and worn. The valves have no plating - as was common for the time - but move freely when lubricated. The tuning slides do not move, but could probably be pulled free by a repairman. This instrument uses a small shank mouthpiece, and a modern mouthpiece fits with no problem.
Photos:
https://www.dropbox.com/sh/4q4g4pc3rk23 ... eDfoa?dl=0" target="_blank" target="_blank

2. F. Van Cauwelaert Valve Trombone
Van Cauwelaert instruments were made in Belgium, and from the style of this instrument, I would place it as being made in the early 20th Century. The company was in business from 1846 to around 1955, but was savaged by both World Wars.

This instrument has what are referred to as "Vienna Valves," and the valves work well. There is significant plating wear from use, and there is evidence of repairs and some "modernization" (see the last photo of the Amado water key). This instrument uses a small shank mouthpiece, and a modern mouthpiece fits with no problem.
Photos:
https://www.dropbox.com/sh/xbzzpgskr7no ... sh25a?dl=0" target="_blank" target="_blank

3. E.A. Couturier Co. Valve Trombone
This instrument dates to the 1920s. Ernst Albert Couturier was a cornet player who worked as a promotional artist for the Frank Holton Company in the first decade of the 1900s. In 1912, he left Holton and began producing his own line of conical bore instruments. This instrument was made sometime between 1918 and 1923, as Couturier sold his company to Lyon & Healy in 1923 and as the instrument is engraved "LaPorte, Ind".

This is the best-playing of the three instruments, and is unique in design. It is conical bore, and has only one main tuning slide - there are no tuning slides on the valve section. The valves work well. This instrument uses a small shank mouthpiece, and a modern mouthpiece fits with no problem. The valves have wear, but move smoothly when lubricated.
Photos:
https://www.dropbox.com/sh/1ya9ptksm54u ... Cmbxa?dl=0" target="_blank" target="_blank

[chriswaage]

Any thoughts? Comments?

[MartyNeilan]

How close are these instruments to modern pitch?

[chriswaage]

The E.A. Couturier instrument is at modern pitch. With a small Schilke mouthpiece, it was at A=440 with the bell about 3/4" out.

The Goumat & Co. instrument is at also modern pitch. With a small Schilke mouthpiece, it was at A=440 with the tuning slide about 3" out.

The Van Cauwelaert has sold.