Up for auction, a pristine 1949 E. K. BLESSING - "ARTIST" MODEL - LARGE BORE PROFESSIONAL Bb TRUMPET WITH A CUSTOM SATIN/POLISHED FINISH IN NEAR MINT CONDITION

I've been playing horns for 52 years, collecting and restoring them for 41 years.  Over those years I put together a nationally recognized trumpet/ cornet collection that topped out at 145 horns.  During the past three years I have substantially thinned out the herd and continue to do so.  All my horns are gig ready...cleaned, valves adjusted & aligned and with new corks & felts when necessary.

Here's an almost flawless example of an "Artist" model...a beautifully preserved 59 year old original time capsule.  Artist's were the top guns in Blessing's arsenal and the preferred choice of many performing/recording artists such as Muggsy Spanier and Brad Goode.  These Artist models are versatile, flexible, easy to fill and play (considering they are .468" large bores), and are capable of peeling paint in "blastissimo" or backing off quite nicely for a soft ballad.  They are well centered with silky overtones and an excellent attack break.  Depending on mpc. choice, they can go from a dark & complex velvety softness to a trashy sophistication with a bright edge. 

This trumpet had its original lacquer removed and the horn was then satin finished except for the bell tube, the four slide crooks, and the valve caps & key buttons which are all are highly polished.  The beautiful Art Deco bell engraving remains sharp and deep.  Many of the horns in my collection had their lacquer removed as I have always preferred the tonality of raw brass.  Lacquer is a resilient medium that dampens the natural vibrations and overtones of the brass, thus altering resonance.  It is applied by manufacturers as a convenience to keep their instruments looking shiny, but in my humble opinion causes more trouble than it is worth.  Many trumpet legends such as Louis Armstrong, Harry James, Miles Davis and Wynton Marsalis played raw brass horns. 

This Artist model is in pristine condition both mechanically and cosmetically, and the finest example in my collection.  Except for perhaps a half dozen minuscule pings/scratches on the bell tube and two knuckles, the rest of the horn is pretty much flawless.  I tend to be overly critical when describing my horns, so that no one receives any "surprises".  All slides operate smoothly and the top sprung valves are bright and shiny, without pitting nor staining and have excellent compression.  The horn slots superbly in all registers and has wonderful intonation.  This Artist has the ability to cut through a section, but blends/balances well in orchestral settings or even small combos.  Enough said...I won't waste your time with any more superlatives...I'll just list the specifications and let the photos do the rest of the talking.

Finish     -      Raw satin/polished yellow brass & nickel silver

Serial Number     -     48XXX

Bore Size     -  .468" large bore

Features      -  Fixed underslung slide ring on reverse 3rd slide; micro adjustable collar on tuning slide

Accessories  -   Original Blessing wood shelled case in excellent condition.  Also included is a V. Bach MT. VERNON 10 1/2C mouthpiece.

PLEASE CHECK OUT THE OTHER HORNS I HAVE LISTED

USPS REGULATIONS PROHIBIT THE SHIPMENT OF MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS OR THEIR PARTS TO ITALY.  SORRY, BUT ITALIAN BIDS WILL BE CANCELED.

Shipping is a flat fee of $25. to the 48 continental states.  Alaska and Hawaii require more postage.  I will ship worldwide (email me for postage rates).  I accept Paypal, USPS money orders & cashiers checks (NO personal checks).  INTERNATIONAL BIDDERS MUST PAY WITH PAYPAL ONLY.  Payment must be received within 7 days or the item will be re-listed.

This item is being sold "As is"...no returns nor refunds will be offered unless I have somehow misrepresented the item.  I do my very best to be as accurate as humanly possible in my descriptions.  I am not an instrument dealer...just a musician and collector.  However, bid with confidence since I still maintain a 100% positive feedback rating.