For sale: Carl Fisher BBb sousaphone

[scottw]

This sousaphone, along with an old baritone and alto horn, was donated to a local elementary school band, but they cannot use it. The band director in turn donated them to our Civil War-era band in hopes we could use them. The alto and baritone work for us, but the sousaphone is obviously not of that era and we would like to sell it and donate the proceeds back to the school band so they can purchase a more appropriate instrument or 2.
According to what I have learned [Thanks, tubenetters!], this is probably made by Carl Fisher [although it may be a stencil] as a low-mid level instrument sold to community and school bands after the Second War. It is in BBb and is playable, although it has only one of the 2 bits needed. We have done nothing to it other than oiling the valves. It needs cleaning as it was stored for many years, and felts and corks are likely to need replacement. It is surprisingly pretty dent-free, the slight twist in the neck being the worst. It is not too heavy and feels balanced [if another bit is added]. It would work well for it's intended purpose: community and school band, and would be great as a banda horn!

Pictures can be found here:
http://tinypic.com/a/ay9649/2

We are asking $500. [OBO] With some routine maintenance, this horn should serve you well. We would also consider trading it for a usable, period-correct brass instrument or 2. We would then make an equivalent donation to the school band.
Please use the following e-mail for any questions or offers: becksband@gmail.com" target="_blank" target="_blank" target="_blank
The horn is located in South Jersey, near Philadelphia. Direct pickup is of course best!
Thanks,
Scottw