Old York Bell Markings

Alex Reeder · Post by **Alex Reeder** » Tue Sep 28, 2004 3:37 pm

I have a tuba with the bell from a York Monster EEb. From the serial number and the name "J.W. York and Sons" I can date it to around 1915-1917.

It has "SO. CO. IND." engraved in big block letters on the front of the bell near the top rim. I have heard of these kinds of tubas having markings from military use, but I can't figure out if this is what these letters are. Does anyone know what this could be?

Alex Reeder · Post by **Alex Reeder** » Mon Oct 04, 2004 1:13 am

No ideas at all, even from the experts?

Dan Schultz · Post by **Dan Schultz** » Mon Oct 04, 2004 2:06 pm

Alex Reeder wrote:No ideas at all, even from the experts?

I'm not 'zactly an expert, but I've seen all sorts of 'special engraving' incorporated into the logos of instruments... especially those made between 1900 and 1950 or so. Before the turn of the century, just about any military unit with over 300 men was given a 14 piece band. After the turn of the century, these bands began to fade and many of the musicians (mostly amateurs, anyway) found their way back into bands that were supported by business and manufacturing companies. The 'special engravings' were monikers of the companies that the bands represented. MiaH may have been correct... who knows? The engraving could have stood for 'South County' or 'SOmething COpany'. You might try to follow the trail of the instrument and tie it to a certain area and go from there. It's not likely there is any special significance but it's alway fun to learn the history of instruments.

Chuck(G) · Post by **Chuck(G)** » Mon Oct 04, 2004 3:08 pm

How about "Standard Oil Company of Indiana"? They certainly had a band back in the first part of the century. And then there's this padlock:

Dan Schultz · Post by **Dan Schultz** » Mon Oct 04, 2004 7:04 pm

Chuck(G) wrote:How about "Standard Oil Company of Indiana"? They certainly had a band back in the first part of the century.

BRAVO, Chuck! You may have nailed it!

Chuck(G) · Post by **Chuck(G)** » Mon Oct 04, 2004 7:35 pm

I found the following obituary which may just clinch it:

NOBLE. 21 July 1960: Funeral services were held last Thursday afternoon, July 14 at Marks Mortuary in Wood River for Lawrence D. Noble of that city. Brother of Miss May Noble, Jerseyville business woman. Rev. Edwin Grant, pastor of the First Methodist church officiated, and interment was in Valhalla Memorial Park. Mr. Noble was pronounced dead on arrival at Wood River township hospital on Tuesday, at 6:10 pm. He was seventy-three years old. The decedent was born at Grafton on 19 April 1887. He was married to the former Miss Stella Nelson in Edwardsville on September 9, 1917. He had formerly resided in Jerseyville but for many years had been a resident of Alton. The family moved to Wood River two years ago. Mr. Noble was a well-known musician and a former long time employee of Standard Oil Company. In 1948 he was presented a gold emblem for an outstanding continuous service record with the oil company. After his retirement Mr. Noble had continued to work as a piano technician. He had played in the Standard Oil Band at the Wood River refinery and in the Old Temple Threatre Orchestra in Alton. Surviving him in addition to his wife and sister of Jerseyville, are one daughter, Mrs. John B. Harris of Alton and one grandson.

Does anyone know if there is a history of company bands in print?

Alex Reeder · Post by **Alex Reeder** » Mon Oct 04, 2004 8:26 pm

Chuck(G), you nailed it!

I looked again, and on my tuba there is another period that I missed, and the actual inscription is S.O. Co. Ind. You must be right! It is really cool to know about the history of my tuba. Thanks a lot.

TubeNet

Old York Bell Markings

Old York Bell Markings

BRAVO!!!!!