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Flugelhorn, B-flat, low pitch

Maker C. G. Conn, Ltd.

Date1937-1938 ca.

Place MadeElkhart, Indiana, United States, North America

Model20A

Serial No.313692

SignedEngraved on bell: C. G. CONN LTD. / U.S.A. / ELKHART, IND.
MarkingsStamped on second valve casing and piston tops: 313692
Stamped on leadpipe: 20 A
Stamped on second valve casing below serial number: PATENTED
Stamped on underside of piston guide-pin head: PAT PENG
Stamped on valve casings and piston tops, respectively: 1, 2, 3
DescriptionSilver-plated brass, satin-finish with burnished highlights, mother-of-pearl finger buttons, single loop, conical main tuning slide at first bow, three Périnet valves (1, ½, 1½), bottom sprung, spring attached to bottom valve cap, alignment by vertical guide pin in piston bearing hole, clickless Crysteel pistons, single water key at main tuning slide and third-valve slide, windway 1-2-3.

Design based on the 20A Wonder flugelhorn (low-pitch version), 21A being the high pitch version. In the late 1920s, this model was abbreviated to 20-A, while the 21A version was discontinued. In a catalog from about 1929, Conn compares the 20-A flugelhorn characteristics with those of the cornet as follows: “The Conn flugelhorn has a broader, more mellow tone than the cornet, and is most desirable for bridging the gap between the cornet and the horn.” The patent referenced in the valve stamps is US patent 1,938,321, granted December 5, 1933. The valves of this flugelhorn follow the patent design in every respect, including the fact that there is no cork-buffer between guide-pin head and piston.

DimensionsHeight: 501 mm
Tube length: 1329 mm
Bore diameter (initial, minimum, main tuning slide, valve slides): 9.9 mm, 8.7 mm, 11.4-13.2 mm, 10.7 mm (0.422 inches)
Bell diameter: 140 mm (5 ½ inches)
ProvenancePurchased from Norman Bartold, Palmdale, California, 1988.

Credit LineJoe R. and Joella F. Utley Collection, 1999

Object number06912

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