Expert: Kenton Scott - 7/30/2008

Question
Where can I find the serial number on an older Buescher sousaphone?  It is silver (white brass) with yellow finish.  It is marked ''The Buescher, Elkhorn Ind.'' and ''True Tone - Trademark Registered'' across a triangle logo with a bell.  Also, can you tell its age by the horn type and size.  This one's horn is just under 24 inches in diameter and is all one piece, not a separate neck and flare as with most sousaphones I have seen.  I can send photos if you'll tell me where to send them.  I'm not sure if html tags are allowed, so I would not presume to send them via this forum.  Is there any restorer that you can recommend and what should it cost on average for a full restoration, i.e., remove dents, refinish, clean and restore valves, buttons, etc.?  Any information will be sincerely appreciated.

Answer
I suspect what you have is not a sousaphone, but a helicon.  And possibly it is silverplate with gold trim.  Yes, please send pictures, then I can tell for sure what it is.  Send them to Kenton@PunxyPa.com.  I can then better tell what issues there might be for restoring it.