Sousaphone, BB-flat, low pitch
Maker
Frank Holton & Company
Date1926 ca.
Place MadeElkhorn, Wisconsin, United States, North America
ModelHoltonphone Mammoth Model 130
Serial No.91792
SignedEngraved on bell within oval and opened scroll to be read from rim: [in outline] MADE BY / [in fraktur-like calligraphy] Frank Holton & Co. / [in outline] ELKHORN / WIS.MarkingsStamped bottom of back side of second valve casing, bottom: FRANK HOLTON / ELKHORN, WIS. / 91792.
The serial number is stamped on the inside of each top cap.
The serial number is stamped on the top of each piston.
The valve number is stamped on the inside of each top cap.
The serial number is stamped on the inside of each piston.
Stamped on the leadpipe: L.P.
Outer valve casings and undersides of valve caps stamped “1” (first valve), “2” (second valve) and “3” (third valve).
DescriptionThree sections: valve segment, two helical coils, and detachable bell. Body is gold-colored lacquered brass. Bell exterior is coated in some type of lacquer. Bell interior is lacquered brass. Highly decorated bell interior: images on bell interior are cast brass, which are soldered to bell interior. Three bottom sprung, nickel-silver Périnet piston valves for whole tone (first valve), semitone (second valve) and minor third (third valve). Alignment done by one lug at top of valve that slides into groove inside casing; deterring full insertion into casing unless properly aligned. Brass stems. Bottom valve caps have slightly protruded centers. Vertical line decoration on edges of top and bottom valve caps. Mother-of-pearl inlay on touchpieces. Diagonal line decoration on edge of touchpieces. The valve casings have stabilizing rings at the top and bottom of each casing. Seven total slides: 2 first valve slides, second valve slide, 3 third valve slides, and main tuning slide. The second valve slide features a ring attached to a plane diamond shaped plate. No pull knobs. Stabilizing rings on branch ends. One coil spring water key with cork pad on main tuning slide. French rim, with iron wire inside. Overlapping tab seam visible on inside of bellpipe. Overlapping tab seam visible on bell bow. Spun bell with straight, un-tabbed seam connecting it to bell bow.
The Model 130 Mammoth BBb (bell-front) Sousaphone was introduced in 1931 as a “re-designed” sousaphone. When first introduced in 1921, the standard bell size was 22 inches, but at least 26 inches was suggested. Catalog listings change within a few years to the larger size as standard. However, Holton would manufacture whatever size desired at additional cost. The Model 130 Mammoth BBb Sousaphone remained in production until World War II.
The highly decorated bell was on display in the lobby of the Holton factory until it closed in July 2008. It is believed to have been spun by a Mr. Howard Tess at the Holton plant.
DimensionsBell diameter: 30 in (7601 mm)
Bore (second valve slide): 0.747 in (18.9 mm)
ProvenanceHolton Factory Reference Collection.Gift of Conn-Selmer, Inc., Elkhart, Indiana, 2008.
Credit LineGift of Conn-Selmer, Inc., 2008
Object number13798
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