Expert: Kenton Scott - 12/9/2007

Question
I have inherited this seemingly solid and working Tuba,only 1 of the valves sticks a little. And one of the strap rings is missing. I looking to learn more about the value and how to clean and care for the piece. I do not play any instruments so I have no idea how to properly tend to it nor how to insure it. I wouldn't even know were to get a proper appraisal.

I am also trying to learn more about my great Uncle from whom this came from. I figure the more I know about this Tuba the more I will learn about him.


The piece is marked:
C. G. CONN
ELKHART
    IND.
WOCESTER
  MASS
This marking is hand engraved with a beautiful floral pattern.
The inside is very shiny and the rest looks like a silver finish.

Any help you could give me would be greatly appreciated and received.
Thanks, Hetty
Atlanta, GA area

Answer
In 1886, CG Conn purchased the manufacturing plant of Isaac Fiske.  And, he made instruments there in Worcester for a while.  He closed that plant down in the late 1890s.  

As far as cleaning, use dish soap and water.  To remove the tarnish, use a good silver polish, and if you use strips of rags and wrap them around the tubes, you can get it all polished.