>http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=3740869855&category=1

This one is two serial numbers newer than the contrabass owned by
Michel Jolivet. The latest Conn serial number I have found so far is
V259, owned by the Cedar Rapids Band and played by Justin Nelson.
Recent correspondence with Justin had brought up a point of
discussion. Justin thinks that all of tghe sarrusophones made by
Conn were either bare brass or silver plated since Conn didn't start
producing lacquered instruments until after they stopped making
sarrusophones.. I have looked carefully at mine (V105) and it does
appear to be lacquer over silver but I'm not sure. The horn on eBay
is lacquered. Is it factory or a later relacquer? Any ideas.

Jack