Vintage Alexander 103M Double French Horn in Yellow Brass
 
It's Alexander's very successful "traditional" double horn that's been in production for many decades. Founded in 1782 and located in Mainz, Germany; Alexander produces some of the world's finest French horns.
 
Alexander model 103M, made in Germany before 1960.
 
It’s a bit of a rare find that came to us recently from a private owner. 
 
We note that everything is quite original, no replacement parts (original mouthpiece), never any serious damage.
 
Modern adjustable Alexander hand-rest, though.
 
Minor dents to the bow of the mouthpipe have been carefully balled out in our shop in Wichita.  Please note minor evidence of our work:  we could have sanded and buffed the brass, elected not to do so.  That means no thin spots to the mouthpipe or anywhere else.
Bell section is also quite original, save for the fact that we’ve added a modern hand-rest and a new Alexander hand-patch to the top of the bell.  But there are no thin spots, no patches to repair thin spots.  Note the “soldered” construction (as Alexander calls it).  That means “brazed” or “hard soldered” bell that’s made from pieces of brass that are joined together.  The seam is visible, of course. 
 
Note please the sharp engraving to the logo and “Germany” below. No serial numbers on the horn, but we believe it to have been constructed between 1950 and 1960.
 
The rotors are brass, still are tight and do not leak, which is evidence that the horn’s not been played much, has not had the valves “acid dipped”.
 
The original mechanical linkage is still tight, works well and is not loose and noisy.    Note please the key levers do not show excessive wear, no pitting, the surfaces still smooth.
All slides work well and are not (as we would expect from an elderly horn) loose. Everything works well but does not fall out on the floor while the horn’s being played.
 
Note please also the original Alexander case.  It’s solid as a rock, has not been kicked around. That’s evidence that the previous owner did take care of the horn, almost certainly didn’t play it much.
 
As nearly as we can tell, the horn has never been lacquered. We’ve lightly hand-polished the body and slides, have given the bell a very light machine polish. If the new owner prefers a lacquer finish on the horn, we’ll spray two coats of Nicolas 2105 acrylic for no extra charge.
Bottom line is that it’s a rare vintage Alexander that is unique, perfect for the most particular player.
 
Happy to send “on approval” for a few days; delighted to get your questions and comments.
Yes, please do contact us! 
 
A word about French horns and Wichita, please…
 
We’re a well-established small firm in Kansas with considerable knowledge about French horns.
 
Founded in 1953, same owner for the past sixty years.  We’ve been a Holton dealer since 1963, have imported Alexander horns for three decades and more.  Today we sell new horns by Conn, Holton, Alexander and Engelbert Schmid. 
 
From 1986 until 2011 we were owners of one-quarter of Paxman Musical Instruments in London.
 
We are proud to note that we count musicians of many of the finest orchestras in the USA and elsewhere, among our clients.
 
Bottom line?   We’re here to answer ALL your questions about horns!
 
F/Bb Double Horn · Model 103
 
The double horn has established itself as the orchestral instrument of choice. The combination of full Bb and F horn offers the musician great flexibility in intonation and tone. There is also a definite correlation between mass and tonal projection. With full double horns the thumb valve serves to change to either the shorter Bb horn or the longer F horn.
Model 103 is the world famous Alexander model, unequaled in tone quality and intonation.
 
*** NOTE PLEASE: THIS HORN IS PRICED WITH ORIGINAL CASE. PLEASE CONTACT US FOR OTHER CASE OPTIONS. THANKS!
 
HG