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Antique Musical Instruments/French Horn?
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Question
We have what we think is a French Horn (photos available) on the front there is a symbol of sorts that says Brigadier Made in Elkhart, IN There also is a small silver tag attached but it is so worn that it is almost smooth, the mouth piece says Mello on where you push the buttons or keys there is a number 31140. We believe it to be silver.
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That is not a French horn, but rather a mellophone. Mellophones are not used in the modern concert band. The mellophone was a horn that was used to provide the alto voice and was a transitional option between the alto horn and the French horn.
I don't have any specific information on Brigadier, but I believe it to be a store brand, and the horns were manufactured by another company.
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Answers by Expert:
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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