1940's 20K question

[humnbass]

Guys,

I have a 20K Sousaphone dated back to the 1940s. On the rim of the body where the bell is inserted the numbers 20K 11 is stamped there. what is the significance of the 11?

[David Richoux]

Is the throat diameter (bell clamp ring) 11 inches?

[imperialbari]

The two digit numbers on male and female collars of Conn sousaphones only were significant during the production process.

When parts had been matched within a production batch all parts went to the final plating or lacquering. These 2 digits just were there to make sure the right bodies and bells were matched again.

Klaus

[humnbass]

thanks.