Rare Sear Helleberg Pair

[Tim Jackson]

Here is a pair of Sear Helleberg mouthpieces I got from Paul Krzywicki formally of the Philadelphia Orchestra.

These are rare and in great shape.

Left Small European shank .514” and 31.54 mm bowl
Looks like regular silver plate

Right Standard American shank .533” and 32.12 mm bowl
Looks like the darker German silver maybe nickel silver


Would like to sell as a pair @ $400 or $225 each plus shipping ($20-$30)

Great history and very nice pieces.

Thanks, Tim

[edfirth]

Tim, I got in the West Point band right after Paul got in Philly. And spent alot of time at Walter's establishment on E. 46th St. trying horns and being a general nusiance but did learn alot. Walter told me those mouthpieces were solid nickel silver which he thought was great because you could alter them and not have to replate. I actually still have one but it doesn't have numbers on it like your two do. Ray Noguera was working there at the time and sometimes posts here or the old tubenet. I'm pretty sure he'd know. Regardless, they're very cool and good luck with your sale. Ed

[Tim Jackson]

You can't tell by the picture but the American shank version on the right is different - Yes, Nichol silver. There is a small blemish on the inside of the cup that I couldn't rub out with silver polish. That metal is HARD!

The other mouthpiece seems to be a regular silver plate.

I haven't decided if I like it or not. I think I'll do some more playing on it and offer a report.

Mouthpieces- It seems the improvement I'm looking for in my playing ain't gonna happen with some magic mouthpiece... it's the brain that needs work, and I have less and less every day.

Ed - talked to your old buddy in New Orleans a few months ago. Bruce ONeal (banjo) he's doing fine and playing a shift at Commander's Palace.

Tim

[bloke]

I had one of those once which I kept in a glove box as an emergency mouthpiece. Yes, it was either nickel or rhodium plated.