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In fact, Horn-u-copia has a Pepper BBb #8800 (about 35,000 horns earlier) with Sousa's face engraved on it!

I'm not saying its all true but in this case I'd consider giving some consideration to the story. This vendor has been selling off the last bits of a huge collection owned by one of Portlands most respected tuba players. This man past-away this last summer well into his 90's. This guy did it all. 50 years principal Tubist with the local symphony, studied with Bill Bill, a contemporary of Arnold Jacobs, a professor of music at a local university. Ancient instruments were a hobby of his. If I'd heard the story on this horn from the owners lips I'd consider it gospel but since it's hearsay at this point.....

The loss of any providence on this horn,(or any horn) is tragic. The guy who's been helping the family clear things out was telling me about some of the horns that were part of the estate. One was a wild custom Sousaphone this guy had made way back in the day that had extra short travel valves but twice the tubing. The travel and effort to engage the valve was on par with a trumpet. I'd have loved to have seen this horn.

Does anyone know (approximately) how many raincatchers are still around? I have never seen one in person. I keep thinking about bidding on this, and so far I keep talking myself out of it by saying "It's just another tired old sousaphone, with an extra elbow in the bell."
Hmmm...I want it anyway.