Expert: Kenton Scott - 5/24/2007

Question
I have been looking at this antique Baritone horn; it has engraved on the bell:  George Baring & Son, London, England.
Just below that the engraving reads: H. E. McMillin, Sole U.S. Agt  Cleveland, Ohio
What might you tell me about this instrument in terms of its history and date that it was made.  I can not find a serial number on the horn.  It does have ornate engravings on it.  

Answer
Baring made instruments that were then imported into the US and sold by HN White in the 1880s.  White sold them under the names of Union, Imperial, Silver Star, and Superior Silver Star. And, were marked with HN White being the sole agent.  I've not been able to find any other information on the Baring company.  

McMillen was a dealer established in 1891. He used the business name Henry E. McMilled Co, Inc, starting in 1911 and changed the company name to  Henry E. McMillen & Son in 1914, and was in business until about 1930.

Since they both claim to be sole agents, a couple of possibilities come to mind.  1) White was first the sole agent and then it passed to McMillen or 2) White was sole agent for instuments under the above listed trade names and McMillen was sole agent for the Baring name.