Part of myself told me I had an exceptional instrument but a bunch of people made me believe the contrary. They didn't believe me when I said that it was the player's (my) fault...
Three days ago, during my trumpet lessons, I did my first really beautiful concert Bb scale, with a rich and pure piano sound. I couldn't even believe it so that I forgot which valves to push for the next notes.
Unfortunately, I wasn't able to reproduce it afterwards. But that's the player's fault not the trumpet's.
I agree with you to refinish the trumpet in its original appearance. However, I don't know if I can have a really good "vintage" lacquer done in Montreal, have no money to send it to USA for that, and I tend to believe that silver plating is more durable. I found electroplating companies in Montreal who do their plating jobs according to US military standards...
Stéphane