Tuba Tuesday: Thompson and Odell, E flat tuba, 3 piston, ca.1884-1900

[bisontuba]

This Tuba Tuesday the Museum features an upright 3 valve Eb tuba marked Thompson and Odell, c. 1884-1900.



“SUPERIOR 1st CLASS / MADE EXPRESSLY / FOR THOMPSON & ODELL / BOSTON” on side of bell. One waterkey on main tuning slide. Threaded drains on all 3 valve slides and instrument bottom bow.

From Horn-U-Copia: “Thompson and Odell were in business from 1874-1900 as a music store and publishing business.

The Standard Band Instrument Company was started in 1884 by Thompson & Odell as the Brasswind branch using stock and equipment previously owned by Quinby.

Their publishing business was bought out by Fischer in 1900, and the instrument production was bought out by Vega in 1909.

Only a few of the instrument they made were labeled Thompson and Odell. Most were Standard Band Instrument Co.”

https://simonettitubacollection.com/ins ... -3-piston/

[humBell]

What are the "threaded drains" mentioned in the description?

[bisontuba]

What are the "threaded drains" mentioned in the description?

Hi-
Not a clue...a perfect question to ask Vince about ...let us know what you find out...
Cheers-
Mark

[iiipopes]

What are the "threaded drains" mentioned in the description?

Guess: bottom valve caps?

[windshieldbug]

What are the "threaded drains" mentioned in the description?

My guess is threaded caps which covered water key-type fittings. You could unscrew the cap, let the moisture drain, then replace it.
Common at one time on the bows of trombone slides.

[bloke]

I've seen those on the bottoms of 3/4" bore (Grand Rapids) York valvesets...particularly front-action ones.

[humBell]

What are the "threaded drains" mentioned in the description?

My guess is threaded caps which covered water key-type fittings. You could unscrew the cap, let the moisture drain, then replace it.
Common at one time on the bows of trombone slides.

Thanks for using the trombone as an example.

Every other response leaves the impression it is part of the piston, and to me at least, it wouldn't be as interesting if it were just hangin' off the piston.

I did fill out the form on the web page, and as best i can figure, it is stuck in moderation...

Which is totally fine. All the work what went into setting up the site to begin with is appreciated. I can hardly expect instant gratification, especially i'm just a nobody surfing the internet.