Hamilton Sousaphone

[Minkrott]

I acquired this Hamilton Sousaphone recently. It looks like a Conn 14k. Serial 199590. My Conn neck fits perfectly. Any idea of what it is and the history? Trying to get more pics. It says the board limit has been reached.

[PaulMaybery]

Out in the garage is my first Sousaphone. Same deal, only mine is engraved "Weymann Music. Philadelphia." Yup, same horn as the Conn. Stenciling was a 'not so uncommon practice.'

[Minkrott]

If the serial number is a Conn, that would mean it was 1923. The lacquer seems way too good to be that old. The person I got it from said it was taken out of service in the 60's when they got fiberglass. Also, it has a 6 inch bell collar and only two bell screws. When did they start making the 14k?

[PaulMaybery]

Hard to tell from the pics but if the finish is brass and lacquered, it looks as though a silver plate may have been buffed off prior to lacquering. There seems to be an inconsistent coloration in the engraving. It was hard if not impossible to get the silver out of the etching. I recall back in the 60s it was popular to have a horn refinished: strip the silver and buff and lacquer. To a HS kid it looked like a brand new horn. WOW!!! Then about the same time the fiberglass sousaphones hit the market. WOW!! WOW!!! I know this cuz I was there.

[Minkrott]

Here is a pic of it all cleaned up. The leadpipe needs to be soldered. Braces are visible. It plays wonderful. I think I will have the major dents removed, and it will be ready for our summer festival parade.

[Frank Ortega]

Looks Pan American to me. Ferrels, braces and bell give it away.

[Minkrott]

Looks Pan American to me. Ferrels, braces and bell give it away.

Pan American serial number dates this to 1950. Mystery Solved. http://cderksen.home.xs4all.nl/ConnSeri ... Brass.html" target="_blank