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ALEXANDER 103, 1930s, WITH A SUPERB PEDIGREE
£1,450.00
SOLD
A lovely Alexander 103 from the early 1930s.
Played for many years by the legendary PATRICK STREVENS
(London Philharmonic Orchestra, Royal Opera House, Covent
Garden and Philharmonia Orchestra), this excellent
unlacquered yellow brass horn has all the expected 'Alexander
virtues' and plays very well over the entire range, with a warm,
lyrical sound.
The valve compression is very good, the rotors having been
plated fairly recently.
Cosmetically and structurally, there are several patches, very
skilfully done. These strengthen the brass in vulnerable places.
Distance from finger hook to 4th valve lever: 10 cm
NB: This is an important specification that is often neglected
or overlooked by horn sellers, makers and even some teachers.
The small hands of a young player usually cannot cope
with a left hand stretch that is too wide (although there is
sometimes some scope for a brass technician to re-position
either the finger hook, or, less easily, the 4th valve lever).
The original owner of the horn was Francis Bradley, son of
Adolph Borsdorf (b.1854), one of the founders of the LSO in
1904. This horn could well be one of the very first Alexander
horns brought to London, soon after Sir Thomas Beecham
founded the LPO in 1932, insisting that the horn section should
use German double horns rather than the rather unreliable
piston 'French' horns in F in general use at that time.
When I was at music college in the 1960s I had a similar Alex
103, not quite as old and distinguished as this one;
unfortunately it lacked a good 'high Bb'... how I wish I
had had this horn then, with its clear and 'slotted' Bb!
An excellent, lightweight example of an
Alexander 103 (2.22 kg) from about 90 years
ago, it has been maintained in good
condition and quite recently overhauled.
The hard fibreglass old-style Paxman case is in
good condition, especially inside, and has a
detachable shoulder strap. The 3 clasps, although
functional, have springs that are nearly worn-out.
The horn is very reasonably priced, in view of its
age, history, condition, and fine playing
qualities.
The photos can be viewed in greater detail
by opening and saving them.
Halstead Music acts as an agent only,
accepting no responsibility as a principal.
NB: for international buyers:
Import duties, taxes and charges are not included in the price or its delivery/shipping charges. It is the responsibility of the buyer/importer to pay these import taxes. Please enquire with your country's customs department to find what these additional costs will be. They are usually collected by the delivering courier company.
Red Dragon I.T. Ltd.