Unknown Maker (Berliner Pumpen)

This is a forward-facing Alto Horn of unknown origin in E♭. Its tuning presents a classic historical puzzle: because it plays much closer to a modern-pitch E, it is highly likely that this instrument was made to the historic High Pitch E♭ standard.

Mechanically, the horn stands out due to its Berliner Pumpen valves, an early piston-valve design that predates the common modern Périnet system.

Structurally, there is a nasty crack right along the bell rim. While this crack means the acoustic resonance probably isn't exactly as the maker originally intended, the vintage mechanism still functions. Despite the damage, the instrument remains fully playable and still produces a surprisingly pleasant sound.