A video demonstration of this horn can be seen here.

This descant is a very rare horn. Not many of them were made to begin with, and I'm sure even fewer of them are around today. I contacted Paxman about the horn, and they told me that this horn was made in October of 1968, and is "an early version of the model 40" but that at the time, it was not called the "40". I've heard of these horns being called "pre-number" horns. It has a few characteristics that are unique to this model and are not like the 40, the main being that the change valve is a tandem change valve (one lever operates both valves). Looking closely at the horn, I think it also has a bit longer of a taper than the model 40 I currently own and regularly play, but I could be wrong on that. It definitely has more taper before the leadpipe hits first change valve.

This horn has a medium detachable bell made in gold brass. The gold brass is a bit higher-copper content brass and gives the horn a smoother, warmer sound than yellow brass would have.

This particular horn is likely the best descant I've ever played. The intonation is spot on. Every single valve has perfect compression. The tone of the horn is sweet and clear. I personally think this would be a perfect companion to a full double horn. The weight of the extra valve gives the horn a bit more weight. Pair that with the gold brass bell and the horn really sounds more like a double. I think, personally, that this is very nice for a principal horn player who doesn't want to sound different and "lighter" when he pulls out his descant. All that said, the horn still does have a light feel to how it plays. It is very responsive, the slurs are amazing, and the high register is especially good. I practiced on this horn quite a bit, and it is incredible how easy high notes are. And every single note sits in tune even when being sustained for a long time. This is an incredible horn!

This horn has been played professionally in the Chicago Lyric Opera as well as the Houston Symphony. So there is some history behind this instrument as well backing the quality of this particular horn.

There are a few minor dings in the horn as well as spots of lacquer wear, but this horn is in remarkable condition for its age, and has many decades of life left in it as a fully professional horn!

This horn has been professionally cleaned, serviced, and adjusted in my shop. It is ready to play! The original (!) case is included in good used condition, especially for its age. No mouthpiece is included, but it plays great with a Houser SF 16-0-2.

Feel free to contact me with any questions you have!