Antique Musical Instruments/Identify unknown horn

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Expert: - 7/29/2010


Question

Elmer in Band Uniform
I have the pictured instrument and case.

Identifying marks are only "Silver Piston" Chicago and numbers near the top of the valves 22, 23, 24. Same numbers are also on the bottom of the valves. At the very bottom of the horn on what I will call the rib, on the hand held side is the number 6.

It looks similar to F. Jaubert & Co. French Piston Valves, E Flat Alto so I think it is an E Flat, but not a F. Jaubert & Co. horn.

What companies made a E Flat Alto without a manufacturers name?

My guess this was purchased about 1902-06.

The nickel plated brass finish is very dull today. What can I use to bring back a shine without harming the finish? The valves are dry, but free and it plays but not well. Can this be refurbished  for say 300-400 or less without spending a fortune?

Answer
Silver Piston was a tradename used by Lyon & Healy of Chicago.  It is an import, mostly likely from the Czech Republic.  The valve numbers are just maker's marks so that they kept the parts together.  They would make the valves in bulk and that is why the numbers are high.

Use a good quality silver polish to brighten the finish.  Use strips of cloth to wrap around the tubes makes it easier.  The likely reasons for it not playing well, are worn valves, out of align valves, or leaks.  

If you want to contact me at kenton@punxypa.com, I can give you a couple other things to try to see what level of work it needs.  
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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.

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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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