Now here is something truly rare: a baritone rothophone. I saw it on eBay this morning, as I was doing my weekly eBay window shopping.
Source: eBay.com
This is how this rare horn is being described by the seller:
Here we have a very old and rare Eb Rothophone or Saxsarrusophone for those purists out there.This 38″tall double reed relic was found in a local attic recently in an old Italian-American neighborhood. The major deficits are as follows..It is missing the Bocal and there is a crease on the stack which is missing one tone ring as well.Other than that all the keys are present and free,there are no major dents or bent keyrods,and is covered in a “protective”patina,with the exception of the bell face which has been polished to reveal it’s hidden provenance which is:Brevetto Bottali,Primaria Premiata Fabbrica,Flli.A.M.Bottali Milano Italia. Massime Onorific,Esposiz Mondial,Marca Ferd.Roth 83. A google search revealed a couple of Baritones in private hands but any competent woodwind Tech should be able to repair and restore it. Please email me with any questions or requests for more detailed pics.
On May-09-09 at 14:36:53 PDT, seller added the following information: To the fellow who emailed me.The O.D. of the bocal tube is approx,just under 10mm.
On May-10-09 at 08:36:15 PDT, seller added the following information: No,the stack is just creased and dented,the metal is not split or separated at all,Thanks.
NB: All photos from eBay.com
It’s unfortunate that this poor thing has been banged around in the attic for as long as it has, and is missing its bocal. The repairs on this vintage horn will not come cheap. However, if you have the desire to own something very unique, and have a skilled tech at your disposal, then you might still want to go after this rare piece of woodwind history.
The auction for this baritone rothophone ends on May 15. At the time of writing there were 9 bids on the horn, with the high bid being $405.00.
Update: This rare rothophone sold, sans bocal & all, for $4050.00. By the time the auction ended, 25 people had bid on this piece of woodwind history.
Thanks for the kind thoughts.
Museums are well and good,but I agree with you that old and rare instruments should be played and enjoyed in public.That strikes me as the best way to preserve their heritage.
Thanks for noticing my Rothophone.I also snagged a minty Holton Rudy Wiedoeft alto with original accesories from the same household,but that’s a keeper as I play as well.
Can’t beat a Conn New Wonder though,as my good friend Vince Giordano would say.Nice website!!
Cheers from Long Island,Carleton Hughes
Hi Carleton. Thanks for dropping by.
Good luck with the sale. I hope the person that buys it manages to get a replacement bocal made, and gets the roth repaired.
I had a chance to play a lovely alto roth last summer, and I really liked it. They are a lovely instrument. It would be nice to see this one restored to its former glory, and played publicly again.
Regards,
Helen