Mellophone, F, E-flat, D, C, low pitch
Maker
C. G. Conn, Ltd.
Date1925
Place MadeElkhart, Indiana, United States, North America
Model4-E Wonder
Serial No.221440
SignedEngraved on bell: MADE BY / C. G. Conn Ltd. / ELKHART, IND. / U.S.A.MarkingsStamped on right side of second valve casing: 221440 / PATENTED
Stamped on outer slides: 12
Stamped on main tuning slides, respectively: F 12 (F slide), Eb 12 (E-flat slide), D / 12 (D slide) and C / 12 (C slide)
Stamped on alternative second valve slide: C / 12
Top valve caps marked with one, two and three engraved strokes on the inside
DescriptionSilver-plated brass, satin finish, bell interior gold-plated, mother-of-pearl finger buttons, double loop, four alternative tuning slides after fixed L-shaped leadpipe, three front-action Périnet valves (1, ½, 1½), bottom-sprung, alignment by one key on piston (nickel-plated brass), single water key on alternative main tuning slides, windway 1-2-3.
Three alternative main tuning slides for E-flat, D and C; alternative second valve slide for C; tuning bit; Intermedium bore German silver cornet mouthpiece with flat rim (not original); lyre; cleaning stick.
This 4-E Wonder mellophone combines the nominal pitches F and D for orchestra use, E-flat for band use as an alto horn, and C for playing from piano scores without transposing. The mellophone, designed as French horn substitute in the orchestra, is played with the rigth hand, not the left. The patent stamp refers to US patent 405,395 from June 18, 1889, for tilted pistons for larger instruments in marching bands.
DimensionsHeight: 374 mm
Tube length: 1836 mm, 2101 mm, 2192 mm, 2505 mm
Bore diameter (initial, minimum, tuning slide, valve slides): 9.9 mm, 8.7 mm, 12.7 mm, 12.7 mm (0.5 inches)
Bell diameter: 302 mm (12 inches)
ProvenancePurchased in 1998 from Rich Ita, Atlanta, Georgia.
Published ReferencesSabine Katharina Klaus, Trumpets and Other High Brass: A History Inspired by the Joe R. and Joella F. Utley Collection. Volume 4: The Heydey of the Cornet (Vermillion, SD: National Music Museum, 2022), pp. 229, 247, 296.
Credit LineJoe R. and Joella F. Utley Collection, 1999
Object number07354
On View
Not on view![Vocal horn, [F, E-flat], D [D-flat and C]](/internal/media/dispatcher/54492/thumbnail)
