Helicon, E-flat, high pitch

Maker C. G. Conn, Ltd.

Date1923

Place MadeElkhart, Indiana, United States, North America

Model3-K New Wonder

Serial No.204644

SignedEngraved on bell: MADE BY / C.G. CONN Ltd. / ELKHART – IND. / U.S.A.
MarkingsStamped second valve casing and pistons: 204644
Stamped on valve casings and pistons, respectively: 1, 2, 3
DescriptionSilver-plated brass, satin-finish, mother-of-pearl finger buttons, triple loop, dummy tube completes circle, tuning slide at first loop, detachable, screw-adjusted leadpipe, three front-action Périnet valves (1, ½, 1½), bottom-sprung, alignment by one key on piston (nickel-plated brass), single water key at main tuning slide, windway 1-2-3

In the 1920s Conn offered the 13-foot E-flat helicon in four different versions: The smaller “Standard, Three Valve” models 2-K (low pitch) and 3-K (high pitch), and the “Giant, Three Valve” models 10-K (low pitch) and 11-K (high pitch). The standard models had a 16-inch bell, while the giant model had a 20-inch bell and was 7½ pounds heavier. This instrument is an example of the 3-K standard model in high pitch with a1 = 453 Hz.
DimensionsHeight: ca. 960 mm
Tube length: 4015 mm
Bore diameter (initial, minimum): 13.7 mm, 12.6 mm
Bell diameter: 405 mm (16 inches)
ProvenancePurchased in 1997 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. 238-39, 298.

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

Object number07221

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