Expert: Kenton Scott - 12/5/2011

Question
QUESTION: My father bought a rebuilt double bell Frank Holton (Elkhorn, Wis) Bb Euphonium the summer of 1945.   Serial number is 105749. It also has "1 1/2" stamped on the 2nd valve.  Can you provide any info on the original date it was available as new?  We're now into 3rd generation with this horn & would like some background info.  He worked all summer of 1945 to pay $150 for the instrument.  It's still in very good shape... both finish and mechanics.  Thank-you for any info.   --Pat

ANSWER: It was made around 1930.  In 1926. Holton Double Bell euphoniums cost from between $140 -525
depending on finish.  

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: What does the "1 1/2" on the 2nd valve mean?

Answer
It is a bore size.  Unlike some companies, like Conn, Holton does not seem to have used a numbering system to designate an absolute tubing size, but rather by instrument.  Thus, they are all relative to type horn.  Cornets have their own set, as do some trumpets, trombones have their own, euphoniums also.

Which is a long way of saying that I know what it means - i.e. bore size, I just don't know what it means - i.e. what that bore size is!