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I've got a buddy that used to teach in that area who might know more about it. I'll send him an email tonight and see what he might know.

Did I mention my buddy is a tuba player? Didn't think so

I live not but 10 miles from where this horn is located-- I guess that would be ("Outerboonieville")-- I have messaged the seller asking to take a closer look if possible and will report back asap-- Hopefully the seller will agree but if not I will report that also--

In reply to Bloke's questions - based on very early examples...........

In particular I recall the one which Bill and Oscar had at midwest in 66 (67?) which would have been one of the very first.

Detachable bell was the only version. It was also only available as a 4 valve and at that point there was no Getzen connection.

The intention of the 'design' was to copy Bill's King as nearly as possible then improve on it. This was quite a nice playing instrument but, still did not have the 'sound' of the real Kings. That, I feel, was largely a result of a big difference in the brass composition, thickness and hardness.

I would not have minded having one as a smaller instrument (compared to my King rotary BBb) but was more interested in seeing MW come up with a good F, something they did not make at all then. The F prototype they made for me somehow ended up in Jake's basement instead of my place.

Just some trivia for ya

I had one of these, 1971 vintage. It had the dual position 5th valve and mine had the narrow tuning slide. Minick put on a lever under my thumb for 5th valve actuation. Also, I got mine with a removable bell up, thinking I'd need the front bell at some time (I never did). Last I saw it, Gary Buttery had it. The bell had engraved "A Division of Getzen" under the Meinl-Weston Engraving.

Tony, is there any tuba you haven't owned?

Never owned a PT, or a St Petersberg, or Amati, or a Cerveny. Or a BBb sousaphone. Or a Conn, or King, or Martin, or York..... Or a Nirschl,