Posted by Chuck C on August 23, 2003 at 09:06:05:
In Reply to: How much is my Sousa Worth? posted by Tim on August 23, 2003 at 00:04:13:
I have it on pretty good authority that a Reynolds EEb silver sousaphone with the serial number 23232 was purchased for the U.S. Army Air Corps--has "U.S." engraved near the lip of the bell above the Reynolds brand engraving. That dates it before 1947, anyway. What's the number on yours, Tim?
I tried playing this particular sousa with my traditional jazz group. They asked me to please go back to using my compensating EEb tuba. The Reynolds might be OK for outdoor work, but I found it a bit uncomfortable--physically constrictive, and I'm not a big guy.
Sorry to rain on your parade, Tim, but based on my experience with the U.S. Reynolds, the $300 purchase price might be within a hundred or so of the horn's fair market value. However, I'd certainly follow up on Matt G's suggestions.