Blessing MONOPOLE Stencil Bb Trumpet, Super Artist! A SECRET Clifford Brown Model!!! Start Price USD 75.00 Current Price USD 325.00 Time Left - Bid Count 5 Buy It Now Price USD 525.00 Reserve Price - Start Time Monday, November 17, 2008 End Time Thursday, November 27, 2008 Location South Plains O' Texas! See more about 'Blessing MONOPOLE Stencil Bb Trumpet, Super Artist! ' Description Blessing MONOPOLE Stencil Bb Trumpet, Super Artist! A SECRET CLIFFORD BROWN MODEL! I am a long time trumpet player and former band teacher. I play trumpet and cornet with a municipal brass band still, and for my own satisfaction. I recently retired from my "day job" soon, and need to empty out my collection, and pay for my past transgressions here on the 'Bay, so I'm letting this horn go. I have collected and played trumpets and cornets for over 45 years. The Monopole marque has been used by Couesnon for many years, but I believe this instrument is not really a French made trumpet, but a Blessing Super Artist made for an importer during a period in which French made instruments were unavailable. I have consulted a number of other knowledgeable collectors who do agree with me. Here is the information I have gathered on this instrument. While the bell is clearly marked: "MONOPOLE" (bold caps) "Conservatoire" (in a script) "PARIS" (Caps) "NEW YORK"(Larger Caps) the bell engraving looks like no early French engraving I have seen. It was obvious to me right from the start that this was a Blessing Super Artist model trumpet stenciled for some import/export company. Blessing often made instruments for a number of other importers and dealers. Note the 13 sided balusters, the slide braces, the valve buttons and caps with slanted "coined" edges (although one lower cap slant opposite the other two). Even the slide bow buttons, water keys, upside down third slide, use of nickel for the outer main slide tubes, mouthpiece receiver, and ferrules, and the tight wrap of the instrument show it's heritage as a Blessing Super Artist which was a favorite of many jazz artists, including the famous Clifford Brown. Also, the typeface of the serial number and valve cylinders matches my Blessing Artist cornet. The serial number, 349XX, if in the sequence of the Blessing Super Artist, indicates manufacture around the late 1930's or early 1940's. I'm assuming that this period would indicate that French made instruments were unavailable, since France had been at war with Germany in that period, and brass was being used for other purposes in Europe (brass for ammunition). The bell is not likely taken from another horn, either, since everything seems to be the same. This instrument plays as you would expect a classic Super Artist to play, as well. The tone is powerful, but does not have the edge of an Olds or Bach 37, and not nearly as dark and smokey as a Committee, much like my Blessing Artist cornet. It is a big band horn, I'd say. The bore is 0.470" at the valves, but the main slide is only 0.445" at the inlet, and 0.458" at the outlet, like the Callet Jazz trumpet, so it doesn't feel nearly as big as the large valve bore would indicate. The condition is very good. There is some light freckling of the lacquer (which is over emphasized on my closeup, which was part of my attempt to show the engraving clearly). There are no significant dents that I can see, and if the instrument has been refinished, the buffing was very light, indeed! The bell does have a little "downturn" to it (no wrinkles, just a slight downward arc near the valves), which seems to place a slight stress on the main slide. If I were going to play it a lot, I might have it stress relieved (and the third slide put rightside up) by a very competent repairman. Otherwise, it is a very good player. I especially like it with a Tone Intensifier on my old 1 1/2C mouthpiece. The trumpet is in what I deem to be the original case, in excellent condition. No mouthpiece is being offered. THIS INSTRUMENT IS SOLD AS IS. THIS DESCRIPTION IS AS ACCURATE AS POSSIBLE. I AM A LONG TIME TRUMPET PLAYER AND PROFESSIONAL ENGINEER, AND CONTINUE TO PLAY AND COLLECT INSTRUMENTS OF ALL QUALITIES AND AGES. THE INSTRUMENT WILL BE PROPERLY PACKED, AND INSURED FOR THE SALE PRICE. I will ship internationally (some countries) and US buyer to pay fixed shipping and handling of $35. My shipping price includes insurance for the sale value. I insist on insurance for the sale price at least. Other locations please contact me. I WILL NOT insure this instrument for less than the sale price. Payment by PayPal only!! Please e-mail me with questions. Thanks for looking and happy bidding!! On Nov-17-08 at 11:54:49 PST, seller added the following information:I need to note that the next to last picture is of a different instrument which I also have listed. Sorry about that. The valve pistons are spotless on this one, and all slides and valve caps are free and work easily. I cannot change or add more pictures at this point. Thanks for your interest. Huntman10 Place a Bid!