Mysterious Academy Sousaphone

[brass, aye?]

Hello all, new user here seeking assistance...any advice would be gratefully received.

Having recently started up a community street brass band in Glasgow, Scotland, I was delighted to find that a good friend had this in his cupboard:

photo.JPG

Bell is 60cm (so 24")

It looks likely to me that Academy is a model, made by Besson.

photo (1).JPG

However, it's hard to find out anything about the Academy sousaphones. We can't afford a decent one yet, and I think Academy are probably an entry level European make from the 60's or 70's from the extensive online searching I have done.

I want to ensure my friend gets the right price. It's been reconditioned recently. If anyone has any further knowledge about the origins or value of these instruments, it would be hugely appreciated!

Richard

[iiipopes]

Another thread on "Academy" instruments, bearing out what bloke says:
viewtopic.php?f=2&t=42820" target="_blank" target="_blank
Although, I'd speculate it's a Besson version in Eb.

[brass, aye?]

Thanks guys, I shall report back with pictures of the valves. I appreciate your time. It looks very similar to that picture of a Besson, but the valves are positioned closer to the edge of the circle (I'm sure there's a technical term for that!)

[brass, aye?]

He said it was very similar to this Getzen Sousaphone:http://item.mobileweb.ebay.co.uk/viewit ... 0805654079

[brass, aye?]

photo.JPG

photo(2).JPG

photo(1).JPG

Apologies for the delay, the friend went on holiday.

I hope this helps, thanks again friends.

It is around 4" across at the collar by the way, and it is definitely a larger bore than the hindusaphone suggestion.

[SwissTony]

This sousaphone is now in my collection!

[Three Valves]

What about a Hindusaphone?

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Sousaphone-Brass-/160917284060

It's interesting to me how many positions they bend the Hindusophone into before presenting them in photos.

Must be a cultural thing!!