Expert: Kenton Scott - 2/25/2006

Question
I wonder if you may help me answer a question regarding a horn in my posession.
The subject horn is definitely a french horn but not of a formation I have ever seen, possibly an early Wagner Tuba.  It is an F horn but shaped like a Sousaphone i/e it wraps around the shoulder, has a conical mouthpiece and three rotary valves.
The inscription on the bell is "III.G.J.R. 136 1939 J. F. Lahrer Klingenthal i/Ga. (4)".
If you should have knowledge of such a horn or one of similar description I would like any information you may give me.


Answer
Hi Donald,

It is hard to conceptualize without being able to see it, but the first thing that comes to mind is a set of saxhorns that were configured in helicon shape. There were at least alto to bass instruments.  I can't remember whether there soprano ones or not.

But, I would have thought that the alto in that family would have been in Eb.  It would also have had tubing more the "straightened out" length of a mellophone rather than that of the French horn.  

Little information on the Maker, other that they were in business in the early 20th century.

Interesting instrument.

kms