Calling All Martin Experts - (Early Martin Euph)

[tmz1m]

I picked up this Martin Euph recently and I'd like to learn more about it. It's serial # is 11,xxx, which puts it as a very early Martin (http://www.horn-u-copia.net/serial/martinlist.html" target="_blank" target="_blank -- it is not an Indiana brand as best I can tell). It has a really elaborate engraving on the bell, similar to a Martin Handcraft that Lee Stofer is selling (http://tubameister.com/2016/06/martin-h ... s-2950-00/" target="_blank" target="_blank), but it doesn't say Handcraft.

I've attached pictures of the horn and the engraving. I think it's not tuned in 440, but I'm still confirming that to be the case.

Can anyone confirm that this is likely a pre-1919 instrument? And if so, anything else about it that I might be missing. I may post it up on eBay because I really don't know what it's worth and I think someone who collects these would likely value it more highly than I do. Frankly speaking, I bought it because it was cool from an estate sale and didn't know what I was getting into.

[opus37]

Martins are good horns. With that, it is an old horn and may have some issues. Check the valves. It could be high or low pitch, you'll have test it to be sure. Even if it is high or low pitch you might be able to play it in 440. Tuning range is not that big for a euphonium. Unless you are planning on selling it, the value doesn't matter much. It will take a small shank mouthpiece.

[tmz1m]

Thank you. It came with a mouthpiece and I've been able to toot on it for a few minutes (been too busy to really put it through its paces). I may sell it, haven't decided yet. I'm not really a Euph player and don't really have a reason to keep it. Valves and slides all look good, it's actually in really nice shape. The best part is probably just how thick the metal is, I love that.

[bort]

The best part is probably just how think the metal is

Is that *thin* or *thick*?

Beautiful horn! Plus, if you can sell it for more than you paid for it, then even better!

[tmz1m]

The best part is probably just how think the metal is

Is that *thin* or *thick*?

Beautiful horn! Plus, if you can sell it for more than you paid for it, then even better!

Haha, you just beat my edit.

[Paul Scott]

Yes, a serial number in 11,000 range is quite early and should definitely be pre 1919. "Handcraft" did not appear on Martins until the Spring of 1924. If it is low pitch it might be closer to 435 than 440. A beautiful instrument!

[tmz1m]

Thank you for that helpful fact! I think it's really neat horn and definitely unlikely anything I've seen before and/or been able to find online.

[tmz1m]

I'd love to see that one too!

[tmz1m]

Found something else I'd rather have than this Martin Euph so I put it up on eBay with no reserve. Bid early and often! Thanks to everyone for their helpful hints about this one.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/-/152214807569" target="_blank?