Distin Bombardon in Eb  1872

This is a Bombardon (tuba) in Eb made by  Henry Diston & Co., 9 &10 Great Newport St., London, in 1872.  Thanks to the accurate work shop order books  kept by Diston & Co -and the recovery of these records by Arnold Myers Edinbrough University, the details of the creation of this Bombardon are still known:

The pistons were made by V. Rockerts. "Contrabass" Class 4 PLV (Patent Light Valve). Batch of 6 (#14263-8) given out 1 Jun 1872; received 19 Jul 1872; made up 31 Jul 1872.  (# 14268)

The instrument was made by Bauer. "Eb Bombardon", Class A39. Given out 31 Jul 1872;  given to polisher 15 Aug 1872, received 19 Aug 1872; ; entered in stock 24 Aug 1872.  Paid for batch of 3 (24884-6), Sold to dealer in New York.  Bauer's time charged -138 hours. (#24886)

The bombardon was a parallel evolution from the ophicleide that ended up as the tuba. The earliest were ophicleides made with valves instead of keys, and by degrees they took on a more tuba-like shape. Other early tubas  were a more direct development in the 1840s.  

This Bombardon was owned by  Danial Perkins, Music Director of New York University reportedly given to him by John Philip Sousa in the late 1890s. In any regard, it is still a fine instrument with a strong centered tone.  It was originally pitched in a high Eb, but later modified  to modern pitch (A-440).A water key was also added.    Repairs will be started soon.