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NLIC
Conn 4 Valve Euphonium in
Bb c.1913
This 4 Valve Euphonium was made
in 1913 (130081) in Elkhart by the C.G. Conn Company - three years
after the disatrous fire that destroyed the factory in 1910. After the
fire, and the rebuilding in the same year, Conn claimed that therafter
there would be great improvements in the design of his instruments.
Interestingly, the C. G. Conn Company, became one the first
industries to open its doors to the use of union labor. A new union was
established: Local No. 335 of the Metal Polishers, Buffers, Platers,
Brass Moulders, Brass and Silver Workers International Union of North
America. This Euphonium, and all instruments manufactured between 1906
and 1916 bear the union label (see insert at left). A history of
the Conn Company can be found on Dr Margaret Downie Banks Website.
This Euphonium, despite its age, still plays well and in
tune - with an amazing range. The 4th valve provides alternate
fingering for D (using valves 1&3 combination) for better
intonation and extends the lower range. Note the extender section
on the leadpipe tuning crook to permit the horn to be played with
high-pitched instruments. This instrument has a further
inscription on the bell indicating that the horn was made for the
military- The US Quarter Master Corps: USQMC.
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