Mellophone, F, E-flat, D, C, low pitch
Date1930
Place MadeElkhart, Indiana, United States, North America
ModelTrue Tone, model no. 300
Serial No.256204
SignedEngraved on bell: THE / BUESCHER / ELKHART – IND. / U.S.A.MarkingsStamped on right side of second valve casing: TRUE TONE [superimposed over triangle and bell, hanging from tuning fork] / TRADE MARK / REGISTERED
Stamped on left side of second valve casing: 256204 / LP / PAT. OCT. 29. 07
Stamped on valve stems and upper valve caps: 256204
Stamped on main tuning slides, respectively: F (F slide), Eb and D (E-flat/D-slide), and C (C-slide)
Stamped on valve casings, spring stems, and upper valve caps, respectively: 1, 2, 3
DescriptionSilver-plated brass, mother-of-pearl finger buttons, double loop, alternative tuning slides at first bow for F, E-flat (with quick-change to D), and C, fixed leadpipe, three Périnet valves (1, ½, 1½), top-sprung, spring inside hollow stem, alignment by three unequal lugs on spring anchor plate, pistons nickel-plated brass, single water key on alternative main tuning slides, windway 1-2-3.
Alternative first and third valve slides for the pitch of C.
Formerly advertised as model no. 24, Buescher offered this mellophone as model no. 300 in a 1931 catalog. The patent refers to U.S. Patent No. 869,619 from October 29, 1907, for improvements in WIND MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS (increased metal thickness at bell flare, not observable in this instrument).
DimensionsHeight: 412 mm
Tube length: 1776 mm, 2034 mm, 2428 mm
Bore diameter (initial, minimum, tuning slide, valve slides): 10.4 mm, 8.5 mm, 12.44 mm, 12.44 mm (0.49 inches)
Bell diameter: 289 mm (11 3/8 inches)
ProvenancePurchased from Richard Dundas, Rutland, Vermont, 1987.
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. 232, 297.
Credit LineJoe R. and Joella F. Utley Collection, 1999
Object number06932
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