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Hi, I have a saxophone I got from my Grandpa when I was a little boy. I have been trying to find out what it might be worth today. On the front of the horn it says "VOCOTONE W.J. DYER & BRO SAINT PAUL." In a different area this is stamped into it "71218 LOW PITCH LICENSE PAT. DEC. 3. 1914." Any information you could provide would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks
Dave
William John Dyer was a dealer and importer. He became the largest music house west of Chicago. He started in Boston 1855-1868. He moved to Mankato MN 1869-1882, In St Paul from 1882 using the name Dyer & Howard. In 1885, the name was changed to W.H. Dyer and Bro. In business until 1941.
Low Pitch means that it would play in tune with modern instruments.
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Answers by Expert:
Kenton Scott
Expertise
Please note: My area is BRASS instruments, not other wind, string or percussion instruments. I will provide information on antique, obscure and out of production BRASS instruments. 1) Please don't ask for evaluations, I'll not provide them on this site. 2) I am often asked very similar questions, so I'd invite you to first check on Horn-u-Copia.net. Much of the information I have garnered about this topic, I have posted on this WEB site.
Experience
I perform in several historical bands, have informally researched the area, repair brass instruments, and operate a Forum dedicated to the topic at http://horn-u-copia.net
Education/Credentials
B.S. Ed, M.S.
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