Few Classical instruments have survived to the present day, to be available for viewing in museums. One such collection, the Bate Collection in Oxford, owns fine examples of instruments of this period. Some, however, have an extra garland and small bell flare. France, at the time of Berlioz, developed a larger trombone with a wider bell flare. There is a number of problems encountered with these instruments once one with a decent slide has been found.
Silver plated slides tend to be heavy.
This same feature, however, makes it easy to make a sound that blends well. In addition, this produces a more compact sound which blends better through the louder dynamics, but does not totally swamp the rest of the orchestra. Also, the quieter dynamics do not appear to lose their clarity of sound. Recently, the London Classical Players have recorded some of the German Romantic repertoire on original instruments. Despite this disadvantage, it was the best trombone I have ever played.