Expert: Kenton Scott - 9/18/2006

Question
i was wanting to find out some info about and eclipse horn that i found its pretty detailed with engraving and missing the tuning slide but i just wanted to find some info out about it. the bell is stamped: Eclipse Made by SR Lelurd & Son Worcester Mass. 231
any info would be great. Im looking to repair the horn for my College class but need to find some info to repaice the missing piece  

Answer
Hi Jeremy,

I believe the name on the instrument is actually SR Leland & Son.  He was in business from 1883 to 1915.  I'm assuming the  231 is a serial number, which means it was made early in the business's history.

He had been a piano dealer, a music publisher and a band leader.  In 1883, he started making brass instruments.  He died in 1885 and his son took over until his death in 1915.

The Eclipses I've seen were of the "backward C" design with a mouthpipe bit.  

I have to ask, is this a brass repair class you are taking?   You are not going to find replacement pieces for this horn, you are going to have to fabricate them.  

Though not appropriate to this venue, I'd be happy to talk to you about what it would take to get this horn operational again.  If you want, contact me at Kenton@PunxyPa.com