Met with an old friend for lunch yesterday. When we finished, he told me to wait by my truck, as he had something to give me. He drove up to my truck, opened his hatchback, and there was a BBb, H.N. White "King" sousaphone..... complete with the silver neck and silver bits. He gave it to me just to get it out of his garage. Absolutely filthy and black with tarnish..... I power washed it today and surveyed it for damage. Although there are a few dents, a number of broken solders, and a broken joint, there is nothing that would be considered major damage or unfixable. Valves are great.... no wear and no play between the valves and casings. Can't find a dent in any of the valve tubings, slides, or crooks. Got the valves moving and out, and only one slide is still stuck. Satin silver body with the shiny gold wash inside the bell..... which is in great condition, too.
While I gladly accepted it, I would be ecstatic if it was a four valve!! But, it's quite repairable, and I've already made arrangements with my instrument repairman buddy to get it worked on. Once it's dipped, cleaned and made playable, I'll decide if I want to take it a few steps further and improve the looks, etc.
The serial number tells me that it was made between 1930 and 1935.
Oddly enough, I had considered offering to buy it from him shortly after we had graduated from college, back in the early 1970's.
All good things come to those who wait!!
