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Phil's Old and Odd Brass Collection:
US Civil War 1860-65 Band Instruments
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Tiny "Tornister" Tuba by Cervany in Bb   c.1900
This is a rare Cervany "Tornister" Tuba. It is probably the smallest true tuba ever made - measuring 19 inches tall with an 8 inch bell and employing 3 rotary valves with mechanical linkage.  "Tornister" means "Rucksack" or "Backpack" and was likely made for the Austro-Hungarian military.  Despite its petite size, it plays clearly and hits the lower register with ease.  Note the mouthpiece leadpipe come off the right side of the tuba- opposite the bell side.  It originally played in high Bb,  but the tuning slide has been modified by Dick Hansen of Brimfield MA to play in modern Bb. This configuration of tuba was also made as a Tornister Baritone. Both were probably used by military bands in the field - where carting a full size tuba would have been difficult.  Scroll down to see several views.  See also it's little brother- a Tornister Baritone