F.A Heckel Bass Trombone possibly from Kaisers Military Band

By arrowcomics, 14 September, 2007
Description

Instrument appears to be hand made, the slide is copper with what may be tin as the shoes at the bottom. The Fkey is opperated with a finger rather than a thumb as on modern models. The laquer was a later addition. There is one part of the tuning slide (which is on the slide itself) that is missing. Themarkings read:

F.A. Heckel

K L Hof = Instrumentenmacher

Dresden

The symbol that appears above F.A. Heckel is not a makers mark for this company and does not appear on any other Heckel Trombones (bass or otherwise)that I have been able to find.  "K. Hof" is not a name but stands for "Königlich Hof" denoting Royal Court attribution.  This would date the instrument as post 1889.

More pictures are available if required.

Category
Music and Music Instruments
Medium
Brass, copper, tin
Distinguishing marks
A crown that appears to be royal seal, Laurel Leaves, makers mark "K. Hof" is not a name but stands for "Königlich Hof" denoting Royal Court attribution. This would date the instrument as post 1889.
Condition
Good
Size and dimensions of this item
Approximately 4ft x 6in by 8 in
Date Period
late 1800's - early 1900's
Weight
15 to 20 lbs
History
purchased not knowing exactly what it was, was told by a repair person that it was very valuable, he did research, including contacting the musical instrument museum in South Dakota indicating that this bass trombone is very rare and was used in the Kaiser's military band.
eBay Auction Link
For Sale?
No
Photos