Nicely preserved vintage silver Miraphone 186 BBb (eBay/MN)

[arpthark]

https://ebay.us/m/ClUWBd

[bort2.0]

WOW!

The story with older silver Miraphone tubas is that they were the best tubas of the run. That is, silver tubas were special orders, and pretty rare. So, for the extra effort and cost involved to silver plate the tuba, they would choose the best tuba from that production run and silver plate it.

I'm not sure if that's true or not, but for the few silver plated old Miraphone tubas I know, they were all pretty excellent (and more excellent than usual).

[tofu]

WOW!

The story with older silver Miraphone tubas is that they were the best tubas of the run. That is, silver tubas were special orders, and pretty rare. So, for the extra effort and cost involved to silver plate the tuba, they would choose the best tuba from that production run and silver plate it.

I'm not sure if that's true or not, but for the few silver plated old Miraphone tubas I know, they were all pretty excellent (and more excellent than usual).

I have also heard several times over the years that the reason it’s rare to see a silver plated German tuba was that there is an extra tax on silver plating in Germany. I have no idea if that was or is true or just an old wives tale, but I don’t think I have seen a silver German tuba in person. Horn in question here looks like it has been well cared for over the years. Judging by the serial number it’s been around the better part of 50 years so even all the more remarkable appearance (assuming it hasn’t been restored).

[bort2.0]

It's about a 30-minute drive from me. I'm broke, so I won't be buying it... but happy to try and help if local assistance is needed.

[DonO.]

Looks like a real time capsule- very rare these days!

Still has the original S linkage. Overall it seems remarkably un- fooled around with.

I wish I was closer. I’d give it a toot!

[prodigal]

Wow, that's pretty.

[prodigal]

Looks like a pretty BBb version of my 1960CC. I'll bet she has teeth with that narrow bell!

[bort2.0]

I sent the seller a few questions on eBay. He said he's had it for about 2 years and is the second owner. The first owner didn't use it all that much, which explains the condition. Bell had a crease rolled out. Otherwise, original.

I think it's interesting that the tuba looks so nice, but the paddles have finger wear on them. A sign that it's been used, but well cared for.

[DonO.]

Sold.

That was pretty quick. Not surprising. It was a very fair price all things considered.