If you don't know anything about brass instruments, you may be tempted to spice up the listing with "extras." Unfortunately, these extras may often drive bidders away. I buy a lot of brass instruments on Ebay, and here are a few things that I see in listings that almost always make me decide against bidding:

1) "Rare."  There aren't a lot of rare production model horns out there any more. If it is indeed rare, the collectors will know. If you call it rare when it isn't  (and I've seen some of the most common horns listed as rare) it looks as though you don't know what you're talking about. Give as much factual information as possible. Most of us know what models we're looking for and whether they are rare or not. For the average buyer looking for a horn to play, it doesn't matter if the horn is rare or not.

2) "Antique" or "Vintage." Most of the horns I see listed as antiques are not antique, and most listed as vintage are simply old. If you don't know why a King Tempo in silver is "vintage" and a King Tempo in gold is just "old" then you shouldn't be trying to use these terms at all. You'll get a lot more for a horn from someone interested in making it playable again than from someone looking for an antique wall hanger.

3) "Sterling" or "Gold Plate." There are very few horns that fit these categories. Most manufacturers either silver plate their horns or use a dark lacquer to make it look like the brass is more gold colored. Again, if it really is solid sterling or gold plated, the folks with the money will know. If it isn't, you look like you don't know your stuff.

4) "Needs a Drop of Oil, That's All." Don't guess about repairs. Statements like "should shine up fine" or "Slide sticks but just needs some oil" don't help with the sale and are often completely false. If you think it's an easy repair, take it to a brass shop and have the repair done. They won't charge much and the horn will go way up in value.

In short, just provide the information that you have available to you, and make it accurate, not flashy. This includes:

1) Diameter of the bell.

2) Do the valves/slides/keys move smoothly or do they stick?

3) What's the condition of the case? Is it musty?

4) Do any parts appear to be missing or loose?

5) Has anyone played it recently?

6) What does the engraving say (look over the entire instrument.)

Providing real, useful information will get you a lot more money for your instrument.