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I'm pretty sure this is a B&S/VMI stencil for Alexander. The bore size, playing characteristics, all point that way (for better and worse). It was in pretty rough shape when I got it, and has been brought back to playing condition. It still has some dents and lots of scratches. Plus it was re-lacquered at some point in its history. I've decided that I like my other large BBb better, so it's time to move it on.

Asking $3500 with a Protec gigbag, located in Grand Rapids, Michigan. I'd prefer not to ship it, but would at the buyers expense.

Bump for price update - $3500

I've never heard of Alexander putting their name on someone else's horn. Hmm

It might be an Alexander bell on an older B&S/Weltklang body. I am not sure what happened in its loooong lifetime. The bracing and bore size says B&S to me, which is different that the logo engraved on the bell. I have a couple of other Alexander tubas here, and have owned a number of others.

I just wanted to be as accurate as possible when describing what this one actually is. Whatever it is, it plays better than it probably should!

The seller is to be commended for his openness in trying to accurately describe this odd tuba.

I don't think the bell is an Alexander bell and the rest of the tuba is, at best, questionable as an Alex 163. The engraving is unlike any I have seen (quite a few). For one thing, it says "Ger. Alexander" perhaps as in Gerhard where a real Alex would say "Gebr. Alexander" as in Gebruder (the brothers). Even the style of that engraving looks a little off from any Alex I have seen. Still, there was likely some variability in the engraving style.

VMI stencil gets my vote!

This sure looks like a VMI product..