Here is a classic french ANTOINE COURTOIS PARIS brevete model flugelhorn. This horn is silverplated and in beautiful condition. Serial number is 3799, so it was manufactured probably in the late 40ies or early 50ies (hard to determine, there are no serial number records available). This classic flugelhorn was the top of the pro line of France's oldest and biggest brass instrument brand Courtois (their history goes back to 1850)............. This vintage brevete model was the top of the professional Courtois line from the 20ies to the 70ies of the last century - the choice of many famous players. Maynard Ferguson used to play exactly this model before he was endorsed by Holton in the 70ies. On the bell, there is a list of many prizes won back in its early days: CHICAGO 1893/ ST. LOUIS 1904/ PARIS 1887, 1889 and 1900, among many others. ............. Bore size is .410 of an inch, the bell diameter is 6+ inches.This horn was completely overhauled and chem cleaned, flushed and serviced prior to offering it here on ebay, new felts and corks were added. There are two patches on the front bow of the tubing , as seen on the fotos, done recently for safety reasons after a dent removal. The brass alloy of this vintage horn is still of superior quality though, there are no signs of red hot or corrosion. The original silverplating is in good condition with some slight scratches at the main crook and some minor spots of plating loss on the 2nd valve slide. ........... The best thing about this rare vintage horn is its outstanding playability and sound though, almost warmer and even fuller than newer comparable Courtois models - as you would expect it from a highly sough after vintage top notch horn. ........... The valves are in good condition with some signs of use, but far away from being worn out (I took a close up picture of the valves surface). All slides and caps are free. The horn comes without a mouthpiece, any french taper or standard american taper mouthpiece will fit. The original french wooden case is in ok condition, fully usable, french wooden quality with little wear to it. . .............. Please mind that I'm shipping this horn from Switzerland to worldwide, airmail priority to the States is $80. I'm an experienced seller of vintage brass musical instruments with only happy customers so far. This is a chance to own a classic french flugelhorn from the vintage era, when France was the leading producer of professional brass musical instruments. These great horns, especially of that vintage and in good and playable condition, are getting really rare by now - they are great collectors items and their value will be very persistent. New Courtois flugels are offered from $2200 - this one starts with 1 $ without reserve - so have fun bidding!