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Hello all!

I had the opportunity to take a few pictures of a Conn 40K cluster. The 40K is the four valve model Conn produced in the 1920's. For those who are interested the pictures are posted here:

http://sousacentral.blogspot.com/2010/1 ... phone.html

Let me know what you think!

Interesting photos. I have always liked the mother of pearl inlays on the bottom valve caps of these. It is indicative of the level of workmanship that went into these instruments at that time. What I particularly like about my 40K (from 1926) is the engraving on the bell that says "Sousaphone/Made By/C.G. Conn/Elkhart, IN." I think it's fun to have a sousaphone that says sousaphone on it. Is that on the bell of the one you have?

I also have a 28K (circa 1924) that is sitting in a stand next to the 40K. The valve cluster looks identical other than being shorter to be in Eb, the most obvious difference is the one fewer loop in the third valve tubing. My 28K doesn't have the MOP on the bottom caps though and isn't engraved "sousaphone." I wonder if this was from certain years or if these were options at one time.

My 40K has the fancy bottom caps (I don't know that I ever noticed that!), but "Sousaphone" is implicit - the rather modest engraving starts with "made by ..."

Bloke -

That has happened to me more than once...