In 1844, Antoine Courtois (junior), a third generation brass maker, succeeded his father as head of the Courtois company.  In 1856 he moved to the rue des Marais, in Paris. The trombone was a great Courtois specialty.

 

This horn is made from silver plated brass, with a gold wash bell.  It still plays well, and has the nicest tone of any trombone, slide or valve, that I've had the pleasure of performing on. 

 

The manufacturing period was assigned by looking at the award dates on the bells of this and other Courtois instruments, as well as the factory addresses.  Although this trombone seems highly original, no numbers were found under any of the valve caps.  It is made for high pitch, and has externally screwed-in valve guides.

 

It also includes a press formed cardboard case.