Expert: Kenton Scott - 1/13/2010

Question
I have acquired a french horn by accident, looks well used and worn in places where fingers and hands go, indicating age to me. It is an Elkhorn by Buescher, has an interchangeable double loop piece that fits where the "U" shaped piece goes. Has a number in small stamped print near the keys, 221781. Do I have an antique, or some band kid's old high school horn? I was a clarinetist, and know nothing about brass instruments; please forgive the lay description.

Answer
I believe you mean Elkhart.  The Elkhart Band Instrument Company was started in 1924 by Buescher President Andrew Beardsley. After Beardsley's death in 1928, Elkhart Band Instrument company was merged into Buescher. Buescher used Elkhart Band Inst as a trademark.

I believe you are describing a French horn that was design to play both in F and in Eb.  The French horns had to weedle their way back into the US concert band, and had to take their alto position back from the Eb alto horns and mellophones.  Consequently, they made them capable of playing in Eb.