Gautrot-Ainé & Cie "Excelsior" (±1888)

Manufactured by the celebrated French workshop Gautrot-Aîné & Cie, this B♭ cornet represents a critical structural and corporate turning point in late 19th-century brass history. It stands as a beautiful, highly detailed physical link to the corporate merger that shaped the French musical manufacturing landscape.

This horn features exceptionally beautifully crafted decorative details across its frame. Aside from a few scattered historical dents and naturally weathered silver plating, the instrument has survived in very good physical condition.

The brass bell features a distinct structural crack. Remarkably, this fracture does not significantly affect the instrument's acoustic resonance, allowing it to retain its authentic, historic sound profile.