Paris, France
Antoine Courtois

Silver-plated w/Gold Wash Bell
ca. 1904
Length: 19 inches
Wind Instruments – Brasswinds – Trumpets

Engraved on bell: (In circle: HORS / CONCOURS / CHICAGO 1893 / ST LOUIS / 1904)  MEDIALLE D’OR PARIS / 18/8 1889 & 1900 / ANTOINE COURTOIS / BREVETE’ / FACTEUR DU CONSERVATOIRE / NATIONAL / 88 rue Des Marais / Paris
Engraved on 2^nd valve: A COURTOIS / PARIS / 1150; Each valve is numbered: 9-8-7

This is a beautifully engraved rare Antoine Courtois Bb/A trumpet manufactured in Paris in the 1920’s.  It shows a small round medallion which reads Hors concours / Chicago 1893 / St. Louis 1904.   In France the pioneering role of the Courtois family in the development of instrument manufacture is documented from the time of the French Revolution and coincides with the beginnings of industrialization and the modernization of brass instruments. Antoine Courtois (1770–1855), one of the sons of the original founder, created the brand that we still know today. Setting up shop in the rue du Caire, he was the trusted partner of many principal players of the Paris Opera. In 1844, Antoine (Denis) Courtois (junior) (ca. 1800? –1880) succeeded his father.  Continuing the work of his father, he was able to interest the greatest artists in his work, notably Jean-Baptiste Arban, with whose assistance he created the famous Arban Cornet which enjoyed exceptional success.