Tuba in B-flat major (BBb) by J. Altrichter – Frankfurt (Oder), Germany
An extremely rare concert tuba in B-flat major from the legendary J. Altrichter Hof-Instrumenten-Fabrik in Frankfurt (Oder), Germany. This brass tuba, over a century old, is in excellent working condition with its original mouthpiece and rotary valves. This authentic German museum-quality instrument is ideal for serious collectors, brass instrument enthusiasts, and historic orchestras. Carefully examine the photographs – this is a unique opportunity to own an authentic Altrichter tuba.
Maker and History
J. Altrichter (Ferdinand Julius Hermann Altrichter) managed the renowned court instrument factory in Frankfurt (Oder) from the late 19th to the early 20th century. The workshop produced primarily brass and woodwind instruments, but also hired violin makers to craft high-quality stringed instruments. Surviving labels and engravings indicate that the firm was one of the largest musical instrument factories in Germany and a supplier of court instruments to the Prussian royal family, which explains the exceptional build quality and elegant proportions of this tuba.
Key Features
Original J. Altrichter BBb tuba from the late 19th – early 20th century, Germany.
Handcrafted brass body with an engraved maker's mark from Frankfurt (Oder).
Three rotary valves are functional; the instrument is playable and in good mechanical condition.
Includes the original mouthpiece, befitting the instrument's character.
Remarkably well-preserved for its age – ideal for collection, display, or gentle use.
A beautiful natural patina highlights the tuba's historic character.
Condition
Good vintage condition for an instrument of this age. All three rotary valves move, and the springs and rods function properly. However, servicing at a specialized workshop is recommended.
The photographs clearly show two minor cosmetic defects: a small crack and two missing valve inserts. Both defects are easily repaired by a professional brass instrument maker.
There are no signs of amateur repairs or heavy modern polishing – the patina appears natural and authentic.
Please review all photographs carefully; they are part of the description.
Specifications
Manufacturer: J. Altrichter, Hof-Instrumenten-Fabrik.
City: Frankfurt (Oder), Germany.
Period: Late 19th – early 20th century.
Type: Concert tuba in B-flat major (approximate classification based on proportions).
Valves: 3 rotary valves.
Material: Brass, natural aged finish.
Mouthpiece: Original, included.
Condition: Vintage, playable; minor cosmetic imperfections as described.
Weight: approximately 2.4 kg (approx. 2.5 kg).
Length: approximately 74 cm (approx. 74 cm).
Shipping
Worldwide shipping from Riga, Latvia.
Estimated delivery time: 12-21 days to most destinations.
The tuba will be packaged in reinforced materials with additional padding and, where possible, double-boxed.
A tracking number will be provided upon shipment.
Return and Customs Policy
No regular returns or exchanges are accepted.
The tuba is sold as a vintage collectible, as-is.
In the rare event that a return is required in accordance with eBay policies, the buyer is solely responsible for:
All costs of professional packaging and return shipping;
All risks associated with transportation during return shipping;
All customs duties, taxes, and import charges in transit to the buyer and back to the seller;
Any additional carrier fees or storage costs.
Refunds (if applicable according to eBay's policies) will be issued only after the instrument is received back, inspected, and confirmed to be in the same original condition as before shipment.
The buyer is responsible for all customs duties, VAT, taxes, and import charges in the destination country. Customs delays are possible; the seller is not responsible for customs processing time or additional charges.
Shipping within the EU is duty-free.
Please carefully read the store's policies before purchasing.
Attention collectors and restoration
This tuba is over 100 years old and is considered a collector's item.
Any cleaning, polishing, repair, or restoration should only be performed by a qualified brass instrument specialist and is entirely at the buyer's expense and risk.
No warranty is provided for modern concert use; The instrument is offered primarily for collecting, museum exhibition, studio decoration or careful historical performance.