Posted by Lew on February 19, 2002 at 07:40:37:
In Reply to: H.W. White Co. posted by Tony on February 19, 2002 at 01:53:33:
If you send a photo it would be easy to identify exactly what this is. King, made by H.N. White, is the same as the current UMI King brand that exists today, although it is currently owned by Steinway & Co. They made some of the best sousaphones in terms of quality and performance. The inside of the bell is probably gold wash over silver plate, not brass.
Once repaired it should be a good playing horn. It may cost you as much as it's worth to have the rpairs done, depending on the extent of work needed, but once done it should be a nice player. An important factor in playability is the condition of the valves. Pull out the pistons and look for plating wear or pitting on the surface. They can be re-plated and fit if too worn to play well, but expect to pay $3-$400 to have it done.