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Any one know what design this Bb tuba is copied from?

King 1140, I think. I hope the Asians have improved it!

I have an opportunity to acquire one in Ireland in as new condition for less than $300. I was thinking of donating it to the learner class of my town band.
From the above replies I think it will be worth looking at as a starter tuba for an 11 to 12 year old.
Going to see it tomorrow

Thanks for the information if it plays reasonably in tune I will buy it for the learner class.

Played these as bell front marching horns in college. Actually not bad for that application but as Bloke points out not the most durable of beasts.

Sorry by "bell front" I meant the convertible model you pictured above played over the shoulder. We rarely set them up as uprights since in our experience it was a pain to get the slide to align right with those two adjustable clamps. We had a a few Miraphone 186s for concert duty. I should know better than to be imprecise with a curmudgeon like you.

I have a student who is using the Dillon version, which is not bad at all for a beginner. He's in high school right now. I wish i could get him onto a larger 4-valve tuba but he is reluctant because he likes what he has and plays it very well. He should qualify for all-state band this year, and I wonder if the small tuba will lose points for him.

Art, I had a similar experience. Around 10 years ago I bough a little Weril 4 valve front action from Joe to use as a quartet horn and to keep at our summer house to encourage a bit more practice. When my godson moved from jr to sr high he really didn't want to give up the 3 valve he had been playing but after a bit of prompting (and a playing a few duets featuring B naturals) he started to get the hang of the intonation issues. I gave him the horn and he has gotten into every band he has auditioned for in the last 3 years.

Not that Joe needs a mediocre amateur's praise but I will say I bought the horn sight unseen over email and it may well be the best tuba purchase I ever made. Don't tell anyone that though, it will ruin his reputation.

I went ahead and bought it.
Brought it to rehearsal last night and the young player was very happy with it.

Art Hovey wrote:....and I wonder if the small tuba will lose points for him.

This 3 valve 3/4 prejudice must cease!!

In fact, I'm leading a 3 valve 3/4 tuba Pride event at the St Patrick's Day parade next year.