Mystery Helicon

[Heliconer]

Hey all,

I need some help identifying this Helicon. A buddy of mine came across this horn and is asking me for information, and I am just drawing a blank on this one.

The Ferrules are almost York-like, but the ferrule going into the bell screws the pooch. It has some very European elements to it, and I know i've seen a valve cluster like that before (Looking at the 2nd valve slide and third valve loop) but cannot place where. The brace on the 4th? branch that connects to the 2nd branch almost looks like one i've seen on a Kruspe I worked on.

The bell is interesting. It almost looks like it was cut to be shipped, or maybe it started as a Raincatcher and was made into a Helicon?

Unfortunately I do not have any more pictures.

Thoughts?

MysteryHelicon.jpg

MysteryHelicon1.jpg

[Donn]

Where's the tuning slide? I would have looked for it on the tubing behind the 1st and 2nd valve tubing, but that appears to be braced down (is that the 4th branch you mention?)

[David Richoux]

The flat valve cluster reminds me somewhat of Buescher, except for the 2nd valve loop. The bell length and flare doesn't seem similar
http://horn-u-copia.net/instruments/Bue ... -25585.jpg

[imperialbari]

Bell ferrules definitely point towards the older German/Czech tradition. The valve loops’ wrap is an odd hybrid between American and European styles. The twisted 2nd valve loop is a matter of getting a free pull past the main circle.

Klaus

[Z-Tuba Dude]

Are piston valves common amongst Eastern European helicons? I thought that they were generally produced with rotary valves.

[imperialbari]

Are piston valves common amongst Eastern European helicons? I thought that they were generally produced with rotary valves.

No. Yes.