Up for auction, a vintage trombone from Paris, France (Couesnon, Silvertone).   It comes with the mouthpiece and case.  The laquer finish on the instrument is poor.  There are a number of dents in the loop farthest from the bell, but they are small enough so that the internal diameter (or the tone) is not compromised.  The bell has a slight dent, but nothing major.  It plays just fine.  The tuning loop is free and slides easily.  The slide is not 100% friction-free, but neither piece appears bent and the inner slide is not corroded at all.   The case has seen better days, but does its job and all three latches work.       

Shipping is $30.00.  Please use PayPal for this auction.  No checks.  No money orders.   No international bidders. 

Local pick-up is $5.00. 

History:The Couesnon company was started in 1827, in Château Thierry, a small city on the Marne River, 50 miles east of Paris, an area traditionally associated with the making of brass. The company was purchased by the Couesnon family in 1883 and already had an outstanding reputation as a maker of fine instruments. The production included percussion, woodwinds (including double reeds), small and large brasses, and military bugles. Under the personal direction of Amedee Couesnon for 48 years, the company won many medals and awards for quality production and technical innovation. They made many horns, which were imported into the United States, including many that were sold under the names of music stores and other private labels.  By 1911, Couesnon had expanded to eleven factories and more than 1000 workers, meeting the needs of many performing groups and military bands. During this time the products were highly sought after and were played by many of the virtuosos at the time. Although they made virtually any musical instrument, during the 1930s they began catering to "Fanfare bands" (marching brass bands very popular at the time), and gradually became almost the only supplier of marching brass instruments in France. At the end of World War II, the music business started to change, but Couesnon continued to deal primarily with the special needs and instruments of brass and military bands. The C/Bb trumpet market became dominated by Selmer, Courtois, LeBlanc in France and even the larger American manufacturers. The public continued to associate Couesnon with the brass band; not the orchestral or jazz band. Starting in the 60 's and during the next 20 years, Couesnon tried to expand its share in markets other than fanfare bands. Unfortunately, these efforts proved ultimately ineffective, Factories were sold off and in 1969 the main factory in Château Thierry was badly damaged by fire, destroying the archives.