Unknown Maker "Catholic fingering" in F

This anonymous 19th-century rotary valve flugelhorn in F is a fascinating addition to the collection. The instrument features a classic German or Austrian design, equipped with "trommel" style rotary valve casings that house internal spiral springs within octagonal covers. While originally built for a traditional higher pitch standard, using an additional extension crook allows the overall tubing length to be adjusted to a lower, modern pitch.

One of the most notable features of this flugelhorn is its configuration with "Catholic" fingering, where the function of the 1st and 2nd valves is reversed compared to standard modern instruments. On this horn, the 1st valve lowers the pitch by a half step, while the 2nd valve lowers it by a whole step—a layout easily recognized by the visibly shorter 1st valve slide.

As with many instruments of this vintage, time has left its mark. The main tuning slide is currently frozen, and there are a few minor air leaks throughout the tubing. Despite these physical limitations, the trumpet remains playable, offering a genuine glimpse into the sound, mechanics, and playing techniques of mid-19th-century Central European brass making.