I am in the Navy and can tell you any documentation on your Naval horns are deystroyed. Miltary bands got rid of horns a couple ways back then. 1)The service member who the horn was bought for took it home. 2) it was set to be deystroyed and someone falsified documents and took it home. 3) It was deystroyed 4) it was put up for auction.Dustytuba wrote:If it is any help, I have a "The Martin Band Inst. Co. Elkhart Ind. " In the shield on a Eb, 17 inch dia. bell, 3 +1., serial number 16210
and a Euphonium 11.5 inch did bell, 3 +1 serial number 15966.
Both are engraved "USN"
They were reported to be US Navy horns, found in a barn in NJ. I purchased then as a set from eBay.
Both horns play much better than modern horns, in tune, and have a mellow tone that only a Martin seems to be able to produce.
Again, if anyone in the Navy, or in the service, can find any history, or information about the horns I would appreciate it. The Eb is currently used every week in church services.
Blessings,
Due to all current Navy horns being kept in a computer database they are now auctioned off.
Back in the 60's there were around 50 Navy Bands. There is no telling what band that horn belonged to. The Navy bought Martin tubas from the 1900s up until they went out of buisness. I belive the last USN Martins that were bought were bought by the D.C. band in the 50's with a one peice upright bell and a kicker for the main running slide. Below is a photo of the prototype tuba designed and bought by the Navy.Hope this helps,
Zach