Antique Courtois

[icaro]

I have acquired an old Courtois, approx 1889-1893. Crimped quite badly in the tuning bow but plays. Anyone know what mouthpiece this would accept? A narrow shank Bach still seems to big for the lead tube. Also any tips on how to refresh the slide action? (Have washed it out and relubricated, but hardly say it was 'smooth'). Cheers.

[BGuttman]

There was a smaller shank than what we call "small shnk" today. Occasionally these mouthpieces show up on Ebay. French ones are usually quite conical.

Slide action is going to be kind of slow no matter what you do. Look at whether there is corrosion inside the outer slide and on the inner slide. Cleaning with brass polish should help. If there are alignment issues or dents, that requires the assistance of a good tech (not the Gee-Tar Doctor at many small music stores). Given the age of the brass, it may be that you have to learn to live with the slide as it is.

[LeTromboniste]

I have one from exactly the same vintage (after 1889, before 1893). It should take a normal small shank although it probably won't go in completely as far as on a modern small bore horn. I was lucky that mine had very straight slide tubes in good condition. Bring it to a qualified tech with experience dealing with very old horns to get the slide aligned and polished. I do gently polish my raw brass inners occasionally when they need it but my experience is that there pretty useless until you've got a good alignment in the first place.

[icaro]

Thanks guys - wasn't sure whether to polish the inner brass slides. One has some slight damage at the (nickel?) tip but not that I can tell would catch or scrape. Apart from that seem remarkably good and true. I think the insides of the outer slide tubes will be surfaced inside with brass mould, got some out with snake brush and soapy water. Inclined to take it to a brass tech specialist for professional inspection and see what overhaul may cost. Cheers!