1907 Conn double-belled baritone

Occasionally, we are fortunate enough to obtain instruments which were owned by famous musicians, and have a defined history, which is possible to research further. This is just such an instrument.

By the serial number, and according to charts which are still available, this horn was built in 1907. However, compared to other instruments of it’s type, it was obviously a very special instrument. Gold plated with inset jewels in the bell lock screws, it also has large jewels on top of the finger buttons, which are engraved as leaves in relief on the sides. It has a specially made fifth valve lock as part of the valve cap, which will hold the valve in the down position in order to utilize the trombone bell full time. It also has a slotting mechanism to lock the large bell into place.

You will note the tuning loop in the leadpipe, which often identifies a horn as a baritone rather than a euphonium. In addition, this horn has an "S", or small bore. The top bell collar is above the topmost main tubing curves, unlike the later bell-front Wonderphones. The trombone bell is larger and lower. The Low Pitch tuning slides, which are used in the pictures above, actually lower the horn to A=435, which was the earliest International Pitch. I had to remake High Pitch tuning slides in order to perform with this horn in both High and Modern Pitch. The details of its construction are inconsistent with any earlier or later tenors. Regardless, this horn is a ball to play!

This horn was owned for a time by William C. Hoffman, of Cranbury, N.J., who’s family owned a funeral home, and was rather flush during the Depression. Bill and I frequently discussed veteran horns, and he allowed me to acquire it upon his passing with the proceeds going to his widow. Bill related to me that he took this horn back to the Elkhart, Ind. Conn plant for repair following an auto accident. He said that the employees recognized this horn and gathered around it, and they told him that it was originally made as a presentation horn for Simone Mantia while he was soloist with Arthur Pryor’s band. Mantia was a long-time Conn endorser.