Expert: Kenton Scott - 3/27/2006

Question
I was  loaned this instrument by our community band in 1976 to rekindle my tuba playing after  32 years of not playing. In 1995 the band gave the tuba to me and I had it restored  to new condition, and built a beautiful custom oak stand for it. It is so nice I have only played it once in public, and it has become a shrine in our house .The instrument is mint, not a scratch or dent, done in laquered brass [ was originally silver ]. I would like to find it's age and value.   Thank Very much WHM.

Answer
William,

Let me see if I have this right,  in 1976 you started playing again after a 32 year lay off?  So, that makes you about 80 years old, is that right?  

If so, I'd say this sousa is about your age.  It was made in 1926.  

Having it re-finished from silver to brass lacquer would have cost you some money, not to mention any other restoration that was needed!  

In 1926, it would have cost betweeen $250 - $1080 depending on  which model, with which options and which finish.  It appears that they had about 4 models (medium sousa, medium Holtonphone, mammoth sousa and Mammoth Holtonphone), with options for the 4th valve, high and low pitch, and finishes ranging from polished brass, silver plated, silver plated with gold bell, up to Heavily gold plated, burnished and engraved with sandblasting to bring out engraving.

I shouldn't even try to estimate what it is worth today.  I would think that most Holtons of that age probably go for between $800 - $1500. The fact that it is in excellent condition of course adds.  But, the fact that it wasn't really restored (Lacquering wasn't even offered in 1926, and brass was the least valuable finish.) probable detracts from its value at least for collectors.  But, of course, not for players.

But, that probably isn't really the point.  This old beauty stands in honor of craftsmanship and musicianship and is in that respect, invaluable.

Enjoy

Kenton