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Mellophone, E-flat, high pitch

Alternate name(s)

French horn alto
Circular Alto

Maker C. G. Conn, Ltd.

Date1929

Place MadeElkhart, Indiana, United States, North America

Model7-E Wonder

Serial No.266368

SignedEngraved on bell: MADE BY / C. G. Conn Ltd. / ELKHART IND. / U.S.A.
MarkingsStamped on right side of second valve casing: 266368 / PATENTED
Stamped on valve casings, respectively: 1, 2, 3
DescriptionSilver-plated brass, satin finish, mother-of-pearl finger buttons, double loop, tuning slide after fixed L-shaped leadpipe, three front-action Périnet valves (1, ½, 1½), bottom-sprung, alignment with one key on piston (nickel-plated brass), single water key, windway 1-2-3.

C. G. Conn, Ltd., advertised this mellophone in the nominal pitch of E-flat as follows: “The French horn, or circular alto, is largely supplanting the upright alto for concert work, due to superiority of tone quality.”
DimensionsHeight: 409 mm
Tube length: 2072 mm
Bore diameter (initial, minimum, tuning slide, valve slides): 10.1 mm, 9 mm, 12.7 mm, 12.7 mm (0.5 inches)
Bell diameter: 304 mm (12 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. 230, 296.

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

Object number06936

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