Thank you for contacting Mearto with your appraisal inquiry. Based on the photographs and description provided, the subject of this appraisal is a Holton French Horn, serial number 200546, circa 1949 with case. This single French Horn has piston valves. According to the current owner, the piece was acquired via inheritance. The piece is inscribed with "U.S." Condition of the piece is good.

Comparables for similar piston valve single French Horns from Holton from the era are sparce, and while rare, are not as desirable as horns with rotary valves or double French Horns. The nearest comparable sold in 2015 for $100 via JMW Auction Service, but had condition issues that are not present on this piece. Based on that data point and considering other pieces observed from the era that have sold via online resellers, a Fair Market Value (pre-auction estimate) of this piece would be estimated at $250 to $500.