You are here:
Antique Musical Instruments/mellophone
Advertisement
Question
My husband is a music nut so I picked up an old mellophone at a historical society sale. This is (I think) a left handed horn (the valves come straight out rather than at an angle) The bell has an engraved design with "Martin Elkhart IND." on it. I want to surprise my husband with this for Christmas. Can you tell me anything about the age of the horn or the company that produced it? Where might I find a serial number on the horn? (I have searched but have found no identifying marks other than above. Thanks for your expertise!
Check the middle of the 2nd valve casing, that would be the most likely place for the serial number. Then if you find it, use this chart to establish its age: http://www.horn-u-copia.net/martinlist.html
The Martin Band Instrument Company was established in Chicago prior to 1891. In 1906 the company was reestablished in Elkhart, Indiana. It was later sold to the Wurlitzer Company and then purchased by Leblanc and moved to Kenosha, Wisconsin, in 1971.
Debbie,
If you want to send me a picture of it at Kenton@punxypa.com, I'll be able to tell you what it is for sure.
- Add to this Answer
- Ask a Question
| Rating(1-10) | Knowledgeability = 10 | Clarity of Response = 10 | Politeness = 10 |
| Comment | Thank you so much. I did look online a bit and I discovered that this thing sits at an angle on your lap with the bell pointed downward and to the left so this is NOT a left handed horn as previously thought. I am still pretty unclear as to the difference between a french horn and a mellophone, though. I'm pretty sure it's a mellophone based on the curves. Wish I could find a side by side picture to be sure. I even looked at your site (which, for my financial future, I must keep my husband from seeing!!) Many thanks for your VERY prompt reply! | ||
Related Articles
Answers by Expert:
Kenton Scott
Expertise
Please note: My area is BRASS instruments, not other wind, string or percussion instruments. I will provide information on antique, obscure and out of production BRASS instruments. 1) Please don't ask for evaluations, I'll not provide them on this site. 2) I am often asked very similar questions, so I'd invite you to first check on Horn-u-Copia.net. Much of the information I have garnered about this topic, I have posted on this WEB site.
Experience
I perform in several historical bands, have informally researched the area, repair brass instruments, and operate a Forum dedicated to the topic at http://horn-u-copia.net
Education/Credentials
B.S. Ed, M.S.
©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.