Old 3-upright valve- Miraphone tuba question

[ppalan]

Hi,
I recently began working with a young student (6th grader). He has a small (3/4 size? student??) Miraphone with 3 upright valves. It's in pretty raw shape (bell damage, stuck slides, misaligned slides, etc.) I believe his father may have gotten it at "flea market" or something for about $200. The father would like to get it repaired. A cursory glance didn't turn up any serial # or any kind of model #. I'd like to know what model it is and what something like this, in better shape, might be worth. I don't think the family has much money so I'm thinking if they were able put maybe another $200 into it and have a horn that would at least be worth their investment, they could sell it when their child grows out of it or decides he's no longer interested. I gave the father the name of a decent repair guy in my area so he could get an estimate to put it into reasonable playing condition. Any help will be greatly appreciated. Thanks.
Pete

ps. didn't have my cell phone to take pictures but I'll try to do that at the next lesson and post them.

[ppalan]

Thanks, Bloke. Your picture does look very similar except without the 4th valve. I'll check more carefully when I see it again. I actually got the valves to move but I'm sure they need cleaning, new corks, felts, etc. They didn't appear to be damaged but the horn sounds as if it has some leaks. I'll wait and see what the repair tech says about it. Thanks again for your quick reply.
Pete

[humBell]

I have one of these. I'm not exactly sure why, but it seems to be my current choice for playing with others in general. Mostly sheer convenince, as it is the one still in the trunk when i am running late for rehearsal. I do like it, but i have never really been known for my taste in anything.

I would say it is pleasant to play/hear, so on that note, it would make a reasonable choice to start out with.

Anyway, i am curious how it turns out.