Rare WWI-Era 1910s William Frank C Trumpet w/ Dual Tuning Slides & Case – Fully Serviced

Up for sale is an incredibly rare, museum-quality piece of American music history: a William Frank C Trumpet (Serial #1675), dating back to the late 1910s (circa 1917–1920).

William Frank founded his boutique workshop in Chicago in 1909, making this an incredibly early example of his craftsmanship. While nearly all production during this era was focused on standard \text{B}\flat horns for jazz and dance orchestras, this custom-order C trumpet was a rare luxury item intended for classical orchestral work. Because it is pitched in C, it plays at concert pitch—meaning you can read straight off piano, vocal, or flute sheet music without transposing!

The Tuning Slide Setup

This 100+ year-old antique comes with its original dual tuning slide configuration:

 The Primary Slide (Braced/Long Leg): This slide is 100% structurally solid, uncracked, and functions perfectly. It features a heavy cross-brace and extra-long inner legs, designed to let the player pull out safely to tune or drop the pitch down toward \text{B}\flat without the slide falling out. The horn is completely ready to play on this slide.

 The Spare Slide (Short Leg): Included is the standard short-leg C slide. This slide has a minor hairline crack causing an air leak. It is included purely as a historic spare part for the kit, but it does not affect your ability to play the horn since the main braced slide is in excellent shape!

Condition & Restoration Details

This trumpet has just been meticulously serviced and lovingly restored:

 Playability: It plays beautifully with a brilliant, vibrant vintage tone. All valves and slides are fully free, moving smoothly, and functional.

 Mechanical Updates: Freshly chemically cleaned, re-oiled, and greased. Upgraded with brand new valve springs.

 Aesthetics: The original silver plating is remarkably intact with gorgeous floral engraving on the bell. Features a striking, warm gold-washed inner bell and original mother-of-pearl valve buttons.

What’s Included

 Original 1910s hard shell case with classic purple velvet lining

 Primary uncracked, braced tuning slide (long legs)

 Spare tuning slide (short legs, hairline crack)

 Original sheet music lyre

 Extra valve slides (included in the case slots)

(Note: Mouthpiece is not included)

Whether you are a vintage brass collector, a Chicago history enthusiast, or an orchestral player looking for a completely unique, historic voice, this century-old William Frank trumpet is an unbelievable find.