Antique Musical Instruments/King Sousaphone

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Expert: - 12/15/2009


Question

Sreial num.
Kenton, Thanks for the info. One last question: Does the "market" like these types of instruments to be in "original" condition or refurbished?
If this Sousa was owned by Louisiana Tech since new...my Dad heard it play when new in '36, '37 or '38 (he was at LSU)! Guess I'll have to do some more research.
Here's a photo of the serial #...I'm guessing that the "1" is the valve #
Thanks again
Mark

Answer
As to the market, the answer to the question of whether to leave original or refurbish, is . . . well. . . both.  The horn will be worth more refurbished, but the cost to you to refurbish it will most likely be more than the amount that is appreciates in value.

From what I could see in the picture, it looked like it was already in pretty good condition.  If you plan to sell it, you could clean it up yourself.  Wash it with dishsoap and then use silver polish to get the tarnish off.  But leave any repair work to the new owner.

On most horns, you find the serial number on the 2nd valve casing.  But the serial number is on the 1st valve casing on these old Kings.  

Antique Musical Instruments

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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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