Up for auction is this awesome Monke/Buffet professional trumpet! I am a woodwind player, not brass, so my trumpet knowledge is very limited. Please be patient with my descriptions, look at the pictures, and ask questions!
After some research, I have learned that this instrument was crafted by a German company called Monke in the 1960s. It was produced as a professional trumpet for Buffet Crampon, who marketed it under their name as the "Buffet American" model. This information can be found at trumpet-history.com, and the last photo is of a Buffet American (with different lacquer) from their archives.
The trumpet is large bore, silver plated, with a gold plated/wrapped bell. The bell is stamped "Buffet American" inside an engraved crest. The lead pipe is stamped "Germany," confirming the Monke manufacture. The valve caps appear to be made of some kind of sparkly/flecked black stone, and the 2nd valve tuning slide's knob has a mother of pearl cap. The trumpet features a dual trigger system on the 1st and 3rd valves.
The trumpet appears to be in fairly pristine conditions and seems to have been played very little. There are no dents, bends or solder repairs that I can locate and the finish looks great. All posts and braces are intact. There were tarnish strips in the case that seem to have done their job - the silver looks awesome. Maybe a quick wipe, but that's about it. No plating wear from hands/oil to the valve casings. I am told that the vales have very nice action. I had a couple trumpet friends try it out and their reaction was "oooohhh" (to me it just feels like a trumpet). It could probably use an oiling/cleaning because I think it has been sitting for a while,but otherwise it's great. All the valves and slides are smooth.
The trumpet comes with a hard case in used, but very good/clean condition. It also comes with a very worn Vincent Bach 7C mouthpiece - nothing special.
Again, I know very little about trumpets and nothing about this one other than the information I have shared. Frankly, I have also never heard of the brand Monke before in my life (though I am, of course, familiar with Buffet). PLEASE look closely at the pictures and ask all questions before bidding. Based on the other Monke and Buffet instruments that I have found on eBay, I believe that my starting price is very low. It could be worth a ton more, I don't know. I DO know that I don't need a trumpet, so my loss is your gain! If you are in East Texas or Louisiana and would like to play the horn or see it in person, please feel free to message me so we can set something up.
Happy Bidding!
This item is sold as-is with NO returns. It is an auction. I do my best to describe my auctions accurately with clear pictures. Please look at the pictures and ask any questions that you have prior to bidding. Buyer is responsible for shipping and insurance costs. Thanks for looking and good luck!