Expert: Kenton Scott - 7/18/2009

Question
I have a very old instrument that looks like an euphonium but it only has 3 valves and is a little differently shaped than a euphonium and is differently shaped than most baritone horns that I have seen. There is a beautiful oval overlaid metal label that reads "Verfertiget Aus der K.K.P.R Musik Instrumenten Fabrik Des Franz Bock in Wien. I will attach a picture as that describes the instrument better than I can.

Here are my questions. First of all is this a euphonium? Do you have any idea about the age of the instrument? Does this look like a rare instrument? Are there experts that could restore this instrument into playable condition?

Answer
That is an old one.  Franz Bock was in business from 1838 to 1869.  It is hard to determine size from a picture.  It is an unusual instrument from an obscure maker.  However, it would appear to probably be an euphonium, as he was known for making some of the early ones. If you want to email more pictures of the horn to Kenton@punxypa.com and some dimensions, I may be able to help more.