Expert: Kenton Scott - 6/4/2007

Question
I inherited what looks to me like a french horn but the curl is not quite as tight as the french horn.  It was manufactured by the Harry B Jay Company of Chicago and it has Columbia Patent scribed on it.  It is in a hard leather case with deep green cloth lining.  I would appreciate any information including general value.

Answer
I believe what you are describing is a mellophone.  I've not tried a Jay mellophone, but would expect it to be a decent instrument.  Unfortunately, there is not much use for mellophones these days.  They have been dropped from the modern concert band, as French Horns are more accepted for that role.  Columbia was a tradename or model for Jay.