You are here:

Antique Musical Instruments/Question about a Josef Lidl French Horn, circa 1930's

Advertisement

Expert: - 3/10/2008


Question
I just acquired a French Horn, but unfortunately I can't find any information on it. The only information I have is the words "Lidl-Brno" scribed on the side of the 4th valve, which is placed in perpendicular with the other valves in the center of the horn,"Made in Czechoslovakia" stamped on the leadpipe and "Acustic 1a" scribed on the bell. I tried to contact Josef Lidl without sucess, also heard that these were made around the 1930's but can't confirm or deny that. Any information will be appreciated.


Answer
Lidl was established in Brno in 1895.  In 1948 the company was nationalized and merged into Amati. The company and brandname are still acitve today http://www.joseflidl.cz/ The Acustic's I've seen, the 4th valve is a piston - which I assume yours is. Lidl has made some interesting horns, Schmidt wraps, clockwork valve, etc.  But, I don't know how to date them.

Antique Musical Instruments

All Answers

Answers by Expert:

Ask Experts

Volunteer

Kenton Scott

Expertise

Please note: My area is BRASS instruments, not other wind, string or percussion instruments. I will provide information on antique, obscure and out of production BRASS instruments. 1) Please don't ask for evaluations, I'll not provide them on this site. 2) I am often asked very similar questions, so I'd invite you to first check on Horn-u-Copia.net. Much of the information I have garnered about this topic, I have posted on this WEB site.

Experience

I perform in several historical bands, have informally researched the area, repair brass instruments, and operate a Forum dedicated to the topic at http://horn-u-copia.net

Education/Credentials
B.S. Ed, M.S.

©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.