Antique Musical Instruments/Conn Helicon Baritone

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Expert: - 1/4/2009


Question
Hi there. We have a 4-valve Helicon Baritone (b-flat) horn made by Conn. The
inscription reads "Made by C.G.Conn, Elkhart, Ind., Worcester, Mass." The
serial # on the 2nd valve reads 17208. We're wondering if you have any idea
how to determine the year of manufacture. Thanks for your input!

Answer
I'd like to see pictures of that!  If you would care to share pictures, please send to Kenton@punxypa.com.

1889  Your horn was made in 1889.


Conn purchased the noted Fiske Company Plant in Worcester in 1886 and began to label horns Elkhart and Worcester.   He phased out Worcester plant in 1898, but the label was continued until 1900.

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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.

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