I recently visited an old New York State town band that was formed in 1830 and became its 'current self' concert band in 1857. I visited their archives and discovered this ultra rare and important Eb 3 string rotor German Silver with garland contra bass upright sax horn ( the finger touches are missing, but I was able to move the rotors by hand in correct position to make certain it is an Eb tuba). The killer part is that it has a shield on it saying: 'Lawrence Brass Band Org. Feb 1849 Made by Graves & Co. Boston'
I spent a good deal of July researching this band which was founded in Lawrence, Mass on February 6, 1849. The Bandsmen also were in the Civil War, an original Eb cornet parts book still exists, etc. I have enough info on the band to literally write a book on it.
Graves & Co is the 'Father of Wind & Brass Making' in the USA. Graves started in Vermont, moved to New Hampshire in 1830, moved to Boston in 1850 and the firm became Gilmore & Graves in 1864. This instrument was most likely made in the mid to late 1850's. An Over The Shoulder Cornet bell that was found by itself is the only other known item to have this Lawrence/Graves shield --this is the ONLY complete instrument known with this shield.
I have made a signed arrangement with this Band to have it restored/conserved back to playing condition 'on my nickel' with the agreement being that whenever I want to borrow the instrument for performing, lectures, discussions, etc., I can have it at any time and will also keep up the maintanence on it.
A repairman in the area who does my vintage horn repair work will restore the horn.
I am happy to be able to not just find this important ultra rare instrument, but help to 'bring it back to life.'
Mark
