2 new toys

[Highams]

Just arrived today, a Hawkes 5v Euphonium with a seriel no. of 28, and a Salvation Army baby E flat tuba, both awaiting cleaning and restoration;

http://s91.photobucket.com/albums/k309/ ... ?start=all" target="_blank

CB

[Highams]

The SA 4v Euph has its first full body clean, valves & slides next;

http://s91.photobucket.com/albums/k309/ ... uphoniums/" target="_blank

CB

[imperialbari]

It is interesting to see that the 4th valve is placed way after the main tuning slide in this very compact instrument.

Klaus

[Highams]

Yes indeed Klauss, I thought it was a baby tuba at first as the 4th. valve is so big, and very late on in the bore graduation.

CB

[Highams]

'Dumpy' is finished.

The baby SA euph weighs in an extra 2lbs heavier than anything else, and that 4th. valve is of tuba dimensions!

Also awaiting its turn after the Hawkes 5v, a Butler of Haymarket 4v Euphonium, missing a m/piece receiver, but a nice quality instrument. Engraved Tomdu Coronation Band 1902. (Defunct Welsh Band)

http://s91.photobucket.com/albums/k309/ ... uphoniums/" target="_blank

CB

[Highams]

In investigating the build date of the Hawkes 5v numbered '28' (we believe those were numbered seperate from the main production line), I had an interesting response from Denis wick;

Hello Charley, My researches would suggest that this instrument probably dates from about 1890 or earlier. One clue is that before the Gerard Conn visit in 1888 when he persuaded several Hawkes people to work for him in USA, the old (French) tooling had been used. I suggest you check the bore size through the valves, i.e. the slide bores. It will be metric if it is earlier than 1888. Stephen's original Cavalry Model Eb tuba, from 1880 was metric. It also had oval valve ports,which later (1900 or earlier) appeared on Conn tubas. I bought an 1890 model which I thought could be cannibalised to add a 5th valve, but discovered it had a (slightly smaller) imperial bore. I also have some contemporary (euphonium) mouthpieces and realise that most heavy modern mps are not likely to give the best results with these instruments.I have read that there were 45,000 UK brass bands in 1890, 70,000 in 1895 and 90,000 in 1903. What happened to all those instruments?

All best, as ever....Denis

CB

[imperialbari]

Many were recycled for war production during WWI and WWII.

Klaus

[The Big Ben]

[quote="Highams"}Denis Wick sez: 'I also have some contemporary (euphonium) mouthpieces and realise that most heavy modern mps are not likely to give the best results with these instruments.I have read that there were 45,000 UK brass bands in 1890, 70,000 in 1895 and 90,000 in 1903. What happened to all those instruments?

All best, as ever....Denis'

CB[/quote]

WW I and WW II with their scrap drives happened. Too bad- for a lot of reasons...