The Bellophone

[Uncle Markie]

Hi Eli -

Thanks for donating this unique instrument where it can be seen by the public. Too many instruments remain unseen in private collections. Since the Bellophone is the only one ever made your gift is especially valuable. We've lost something since the days when H.N.White (and later Mrs. White) would have the sense of humor to shut down part of a factory to make something unique - mostly for fun.

It is right up there with "Big Joe the Tuba" (still in use once in a while), the horizontal tuba from Vincent Lopez' orchestra (no idea where THAT horn ended up) and other oddities like the King Pit Orchestra tuba. Back when it benefitted musicians to be "different"!

Mark Heter