FS:Presentation 5v convertible screw bell Graves Bb Baritone

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bisontuba
6 valves
6 valves
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FS:Presentation 5v convertible screw bell Graves Bb Baritone

Post by bisontuba »

FYI--from master repairman/restorer Mark Metzler..
Mark Jones

I've been asked to help sell a Graves OTS baritone, see the owners description and link to pictures below. Also feel free to share this information with anyone that might be interested. Thanks! Mark

Photo link-

https://www.amazon.com/photos/share/Rnu ... BRFyTJ6SQC" target="_blank

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Being offered for sale is a rare five-valve, over-the-shoulder baritone pitched in B-flat with a screw bell. It was made by Graves and Co. Boston. Graves moved to Boston in 1851, so the current owner believes it is possible that the "No. 1" engraved on the shield signifies that this may have been the first instrument made at the Boston location, or possibly it was the first instrument of its kind built by Graves. This baritone is made of unlacquered brass with nickel silver trim. This five-valve system can be found on a number of lower pitched brass instruments made in the 1850's. The main tuning slide is located in the top bow next to the bell. This instrument plays, but the valves are somewhat worn and therefore a bit leaky. It is tuned to high-pitch (A=450). It come with two shanks that allow for playing with the bell up or bell over-the-shoulder. Also included is a highly unusual wood case. The key hole escutcheon is missing, and there is no key. The inscription on the bell reads "Made by / Graves & Co. / for / Geo. H. Hall / East Marshfield / Aug 13th 1851 / No 1". The inscription on the case reads "Presented to G. H. Hall / by / J. W. Mitchell / P. B. B.". A hand written note in the case reads "Parker says the case that this instrument is in was presented to father by one of the churches in Portland where Fannies and Georgies mother used to attend when father was courting her, and he played in the church choir and they had the case made and gave it to him".

This instrument was acquired by the current owner approximately 25 years ago. No restoration or repair work has been done since then. It appears to have been previously restrung. There is a small split in the female bell threads, and a few minor dents. Its overall condition is excellent for an instrument of this vintage. There are no missing parts or other structural issues. See the photos.

This instrument is located at Metzler Brass in Elkhart, Indiana, so feel free to ask Mark any detailed questions about its condition or photo of a specific area. Mark can be contacted at mark@metzlerbrass.com" target="_blank. The person from whom this instrument was purchased 25 years ago unfortunately had no information about its history. The current owner was planning on keeping this instrument in his collection. However, future medical costs associated with the owner's wife's symptoms from Parkinson's disease, coupled with the sale price on eBay ($16766.00) of a four-valve E.G. Wright over-the-shoulder alto in need of a complete restoration (eBay item number 252563002522) caused the owner to reconsider. A screen shot of the E. G. Wright listing is included with the additional photos of the Graves accessed at the link below. Due to the rarity and high value of this Graves baritone, local pick-up at Metzler Brass is preferred but delivery can be arranged.

With the assistance of Mark, this instrument is being put up for sale through email offers. If you are interested in purchasing this instrument, send your best offer to Mark at mark@metzlerbrass.com" target="_blank. If the high offer is sufficiently high, the instrument will be sold to that person. All offers need to be received on or before January 24, 2017. Everyone who submits an offer will be informed shortly thereafter whether or not the instrument sold. Based on the sale price of the E.G. Wright alto, all offers must be $20,000.00 or higher to be considered. Acceptable methods of payment are cash, PayPal, certified/bank check. Payment by certified/bank check will be accepted from individuals who have an established relationship with the owner or Mark Metzler. The owner reserves the right to not accept payment by check. If paying through PayPal, 2% will be added to the sale price to help cover PayPal fees. If delivery is requested, delivery charges may apply.

Link to additional photos here-

https://www.amazon.com/photos/share/Rnu ... BRFyTJ6SQC" target="_blank
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