C.G. Conn Trombone 1910’s - potential prototype of Trill Valve Addition
I acquired a very rare trombone at an auction. I sent it in to a professional restoration company and had it restored to perfect condition. The owner of this restoration company said he has never seen a trombone like this in his entire career. Although the trombone is marked “3”, there is no lettering system. The serial number puts the trombone at one year (1920’s) but other attributes put it at 1914. The restoration owner tried appraising the trombone but due to its uniqueness he was unable to. The best he was able to do was say he is pretty certain it is a prototype trombone that CG Conn made to test out the new Trill Valve tech they were introducing at this time period. The trombone is a silver color, free of dents and damage, fully restored to mint condition, has a very unique sound, has the trill valve add on, is symphony grade and has a mark referring to a popular trombone musician at the time - not sure if this was played by him or not but being a prototype might have led to professional practice and testing. I am interested in obtaining an appraisal and doing the consignment option. The best value I can put on the trombone comes from an Antiques Roadshow appraisal of a similar but much less unique & newer trombone which was valued at 10,000
Will send - waiting on trombone to arrive from restoration
Acquired at a Wisconsin auction.
Auction House
Maybe
Hi Derek,
Thank you for contacting Mearto with your appraisal inquiry.
I've seen the Antiques Roadshow appraisal, which was for insurance at $10,000, which based on the industry multiplier, put a fair-market / auction value on that same horn, at the time, of $3,000-5,000. I've not found another trombone selling at auction for more than $1,200 (https://www.liveauctioneers.com/item/59450743_symphonic-bass-trombone-vincent-bach-corp-elkhart) but I'm willing to give yours the benefit of the doubt with a fair=market valuation of $4,000-6,000.
Based on the photos and information provided, and subject to examination, this is:
An antique CG Conn prototype trill valve silvered brass trombone
circa 1910-1925 / first quarter 20th Century (to cover all bases)
etched bell, tube above slide impressed "S. / INNIS / 115249"
Total length - 44 inches; bell diameter: 6-5/16 inches
CONDITION: fully restored to mint condition, with a very unique sound
PROVENANCE: acquired at an auction in Wisconsin
$4,000-6,000*
*represents a fair-market value for auction purposes; retail or asking price may vary.
Please let us know if you have additional items to appraise, and thank you again for using Mearto.
Is it possible to get detail/close up photos of it in its restored condition?
And dimensions, if it's now accessible?
I am currently waiting on the trombone to get shipped back to me from the restoration company. As soon as I receive it, yes I will take multiple pictures of it and gather dimensions to send your way. Do I just attach additional photos to this listing or do you need them emailed? Thanks for your help!
You can simply attach additional photos; I'll get an alert that this has new photos, which I'll take a look at and finish this appraisal.
These are the dimensions I obtained (let me know if any others are needed and I’ll measure and let you know
Total length - 44”
Bell diameter - 6 5/16”
More pics attached.
Thanks for the response. The first three pics are before restoration (showing marks & serial), the fourth pic is after the restoration. Please let me know if this helps