This is a very early 1870s Besson Eb tuba. It has been completely refinished, relacquered, and valves replated at some point in the past. Plays at modern pitch level, receiver has been replaced with American-size receiver to accept regular shank mouthpieces, new valve buttons with pearls. Evidence of some repair and patches. I repaired some leaky patches on the 3rd valve slide crook. There is some evidence of the brass oxidizing underneath the later lacquer job which seems to be cosmetic.
This is an extremely light instrument and the brass is a bit thin and fragile, but it plays very well and has a nice punchy sound. Valves work great, all slides move, intonation is fine.
Includes very nice padded hard case and a houndstooth pattern drawstring wool bag that covers the instrument.
Asking $500 plus shipping. PM me or email beanhillbrass at gmail. Thanks!
