Hawkes & Sons Excelsior Sousaphone (3+1 valve)?

[sticky_valve]

This popped up locally, sousaphones do not come up for sale very often at all in my part of the world (I'd really love one in the stable at home!)

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/321104272932?redirect=mobile

Note: the link is from my phone so it may or may not work on your PC, either way the item number is 321104272932 for a search, its eBay Australia.

I did a search on Google and Tubenet which did and not reveal any info on Hawkes & Son Sousas. So maybe one for the collectors or a talking point at least?

It looks like a wreck, I may or may not make some time to go and see it in person, or am I missing something?

I'd imagine parts would be virtually impossible to locate and would need to be fabricated. I'm also assuming it is Eb? And If I see correctly in the pics, it is a 4-valver (3+1) which is interesting too.

Look forward to finding our more.

[sousaphone68]

I would agree that it is in Eb all of the pieces except the mouthpiece bits and a finger button are there. The lead pipe is detached and looks to have a kink in it and the valves look a little tired. The valves left in the instrument may be stuck.
If you do go to see it look for tears in those dents and see what the compression is.
I sometimes play a Regent Calvary bass of similar vintage they can be fun but even when perfect they lack the sound of a modern instrument.
Sousaphones are great I have an Eb Conn that cost me $1200 US four years ago a fibre glass Bb would be even cheaper.

[J.c. Sherman]

It looks like the fourth valve is missing...