Expert: Kenton Scott - 3/6/2008

Question
QUESTION: Hi Kenton.  My dad was in WWII and brought back a HESS double French Horn which I have used for many years.  Where to I begin to find out the history of the instrument outside of the first hand knowledge that my dad provided to me?  Also the value of the instrument for insurance purposes.  It is a great instrument and plays well.  We aren't interested in selling it at all, but want all future generations to use it as well on special occasions.

ANSWER: Is there any more information on the horn?

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QUESTION: Yes Kenton there is more on the Horn.  On the bell rim there is the following: "HESS Musik Jnstr. Fabriken KLINGENTHAL SA." and on the other side of the rim there is the following: "H.M.Sch Buckenburg 1942".  I have looked for any type of serial number and I can find none.  The valves are labeled with a 15, 14, and 13 (first, second, and third respectively) on the lower back side, upper oil ring and cap.  The thumb valve has no marking inside or out on it.

If there are other markings on this instrument, I cannot find them, even under strong light and a magnifying glass.

Any help identifying it will be useful.

Thanks!

ANSWER: Well, I am not certain, but I see a Ernst Hess in Klingenthal starting in 1872, that may be the company.



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QUESTION: At least this is a good start.  Where is a good place to take the Horn for an appraisal?   Also, is it typical for an instrument of this time period not to have a serial number on it anywhere?

Answer
Most early makers didn't put serial numbers on their horns.  But most makers were using serial numbers by the 20th century, but there are some exceptions.  

Dealers on the other hand, were much less consistent about this.  Some would simply use the serial numbers from the maker, some would add their own serial nubmer and some just didn't bother.

No recommendations for appraisers.