Beautiful, highly collectable antique silver plated cornet manufactured by the prestigious  maker Antoine Courtois of Paris.

Based on the official manufacturers archives and the 5-digit serial number, this exact instrument dates to approximately 1879-1880.

The bell features  incredibly detailed, crisp historical engravings outlining Courtois` grand prize exposition medals, culminating in the "Medaille d`Or Paris 1878" stamp.

It also features the stamp of the exclusive late-Victorian British distribtor:  "S. Arthur Chappell, Sole Agent, 52 New Bond Street, London."

The silver-plated finish shows heavy, beautiful natural age tarnish (oxidisation) has not been aggressively polished to preserve the historic patina. The metal is structurally sound with no major crushed sections or severe dents.

One of the valve pistons pushes up and down, one can be pulled up and pushed down and one is currently seized/ stuck from decades of storage and will require professional attention.

The slides are firm but will need attention to move smoothly.

This instrument is being sold exactly as it was found. There is NO case, NO mouthpiece, and no additional tuning shanks included.

This instrument is being sold strictly AS-IS for parts, restoration, or historical display.

It is a fantastic, highly salvageable project piece for a brass restoration technician or an exquisite display collectible for a music history enthusiast,

Please look at the pictures closely as they form part of the description.