Rob..it's an old silver coronet laying on it's side. It belonged to MrOk's grandfather who was a very small town band leader in the early 1900's. We also have his lyre, music stand and leather case for it as well as his baton. I had it cleaned about 10 years ago. The instrument repair man told me to keep it out of its case as that was doing more harm than good (mold issues). Being silver it tarnishes and keeping it clean is not a priority!