TT Alto gold plated?

[beezer]

I've had this alto for some time now. I'm having a clearout of horns.
This alto is in poor playing order and has been damaged on the bow.
The bell engraving is weak and I'm wondering if it is matt gold plated.



Previous link to album caused popups. Is this normal with Photobucket?
Thanks, Dave

[paulwl]

Your horn is most likely bare brass - Bueschers were originally supplied this way if not plated. Lacquer was not offered as a factory finish until about 1930.

It probably did have lacquer applied later in life - most brass horns did. It was likely buffed a bit too much, which is why the engraving is worn down. This need not affect the playing quality of the horn, unless the toneholes were worn to uneven edges.

[VintageSaxGuy]

I think we're looking at different saxes, because that one does have front F (as well as the later spatula key cluster).

But it's definitely not gold plated. It looks like someone tried the Selmer brushed finish on it.

[paulwl]

Yep, my mistake. I saw the F key too late.

Serial is 209xxx, BTW.