DEG “Classic” Sax-Shaped Trumpet S/n C2255 RARE!

DEG Classic sax-shaped Bb trumpet. Silver Plate SN# C2255 in the original hard case, but without mouthpiece. Overall condition is excellent, I dare say MINT. Pistons show no wear, and compression is excellent and the horn is a pleasure to play. In addition to the regular tuning slide, this model has a tuning bell, which is very handy for when you need to remove the pistons to oil them. Take any standard trumpet Shank Mouthpiece and the bell accepts standard sized mutes.
Even amongst trumpet players there is some confusion about the DEG/Getzen connection. This is what the current Getzen website says about the history of these two separate companies:
What is the relationship of DEG to Getzen?
DEG was founded by Donald Getzen, shortly after he left the Getzen Company in 1965. At that time, a business relationship between DEG and Allied Music began. Allied Music, owned and operated by Bob Getzen, produced several different instruments including bugles and trumpets under the DEG name for many years. This relationship ended shortly before the Getzen Company was purchased back by the Getzen family in the late 1990’s. Due to the closeness of the two companies, it is a common misconception that DEG instruments are the same as Getzen instruments. This is not the case. Product and management wise, the two companies were and are very separate and different.
Source: Getzen’s FAQ page
Unfortunately there is very little information about DEG available, and I was unable to find a listing of their previously-produced instruments. That said, I was able to locate enough information to determine that in the 1980s, DEG decided to produce some saxophone-shaped trumpets. Unlike the Jazzophons and Normaphons of the 1920s, which tended to have longer bodies and necks, as well as bells that pointed out towards the audience, these DEG “Classic” sax-shaped trumpets appear to be more compact. Besides being regular Bb trumpets in saxophone-shaped bodies, their bells point more upwards.