Any knowledge on how to (approximately) date Rudolf Meinl tubas?

[Virtuoso]

I find myself wanting (for no particular reason) to know a little more about my 5/4 Bb (non-Bayreuth). I know RM didn't use serial numbers, but it has RMB504S #101 scratched into the 2nd valve cap. Not sure if that's how Custom Music did their serials way back when, but I rather doubt it. I can take pics, but figure if the consensus is that there's no way to tell--I'll just give up on it.

[arpthark]

I’m sorry I don’t have an answer for your question, but I just wonder, why do you reckon it’s a non-Bayreuth? I assumed all 5/4 Rudi BBbs were Bayreuth models.

[the elephant]

Sometimes makers can help, as small details will be changed over time. I wuold contact them with photos and anything at all that you know about the tuba and/or previous owners.

I did this with my Alexander many years ago, and was eventually introduced (by mail) to the fellow who most likely built it. (He was retired by then.)