Official Luthiers Forum!

Ok, I asked this question on the "other" forum in the wind instrument section and it got deleted. Don't have a clue why but I'm sure I broke some rule.
Anyway, I've got a silver Emil K Blessing trumpet that my grandfather played in a WWI (yes, ONE) Army Band. He gave it to me, specifically, when he passed away several years ago. The think is in emaculate condition. Not a dent anywhere. It's really a beautiful instrument.
Does anyone know how to find the value of something like this? It's got a serial number and a date of 1910 on it if that might help. I know there are ways to find guitar value based on those things but wasn't sure about horns.
Thanks for looking. P

Hey Paul,
Killer old horn. No clue, but Ebay would give you a hint if you could find some comparables.

I purchased a used Holton Farkas Double French Horn for $385, an old school instrument, then proceeded to spend $500 for an overhaul which included a new Holton Bell. It's silver Nickel too. So you can see what a similar instrument costs used, $885. We can easily sell it and recover all the cost. I'll bet there are books on horns too.

Hey, call the local colleges and ask to speak to the Horn Professors. They'd know.

Antiques Roadshow! Okay, seriously, there has to be an appropriate appraiser somewhere. Maybe a major big- city auction house could point you in the right direction. Possibly a retailer that sells, rather than just rents, high-end brass could help, too. Good luck--she's a beaut!CarltonM38743.9426967593

Paul,
How are the valves on the instrument? Do all the pieces come apart and go together without too much force? These are the kinds of things hat will affect the value. I would suggest going to your local university and talking to one of the trumpet instructors. Those guys certainly could give you a good ballpark figure. Just like Bruce said.JBreault38744.4718518518

_________________
Joe Breault
Merrimack, NH
Perpetual novice