This is a cornet made by Conn, a leading American brass instrument manufacturer. The serial number is in the 280,000 range, suggesting it was manufactured in 1932. The model is "26A Director," a name also used for later, more affordable models. However, as you can see in the images, this instrument boasts a satin silver finish, gold bell interior (though it's worn), uniquely shaped braces, and a bell tuning system. These features are luxurious and costly, making it worthy of being called an "Art Deco" specification. The bore size is 2-1/2, which is Conn's large bore, equivalent to a .484-inch bore, considered very large by modern standards. It has a very charming wrap, and personally, it's one of my favorite designs for a Conn cornet. As expected for an instrument that has been around for nearly 100 years, there is some wear and tear, but it's in a condition that suggests it has been well-cared for. The piston surfaces are starting to show signs of wear in the plating, but I didn't experience any sticking with my playing style. I use Tromba oil and grease for maintenance. Perhaps due to its balanced conical design, it has an incredibly light and easy feel when playing. This listing is for the instrument only. For mouthpieces, current models like the Marc Curry VC series or the Bob Reeves MS models are good choices. However, if you have the opportunity, I recommend trying a mouthpiece from the same era. This is a rare model with a production run of only 10 years, and it has luxurious specifications. I am selling it to raise funds for another instrument I really want. While significant price reductions may be difficult, I am open to considering price negotiations from those who appreciate this instrument. Please feel free to contact me. Thank you very much.