This tuba was likely made by John Howard Foote (JHF) in New York near the end of the US Civil War. It has early German type valves (Berliner Pumpen) in common use during the mid-19th century.  This tuba was found 2003 in Florida in terrible shape - and  covered in green grunge - but to the credit of the original maker, as well as a great restorer, Dick Hansen of Brimfield MA, the horn has been restored to its original glory and tonality. It plays in high pitch, but can play in modern pitch by fully extending the tuning slide. Scroll all the way down to see some of the 'before' pics!!