I found a small shop a few days ago that had a "brand new" piccolo for sale for $165. There was a little tarnish on it but it played well. The one thing I noticed though was that it had no brand name on it or on the case. The owners of the store couldn't tell me the brand either. It seems like a decent instrument, but is it a good idea to buy a piccolo without a brand?

I wouldn't be overly concerned about the picc just because it's missing a bit of engraving. Take it to a tech and get them to tell you if it's of decent construction. If they give it the go ahead, and you like it, there's no reason not to buy it, but if they warn you about pot metal or mechanical problems, it's probably best to pass it up.

I would be inclined to pass on it. You most likely would be better off buying a good well known name brand that has a good reputation behind it.