Vintage Elkhart IND Eb Tuba Identification And Repair Questions

[bbuxx2026]

I won this Eb tuba at a local auction for $35, Super excited about this. All the slides and valves move freely. The Bell says "The America First Model" (Ironic being the 250th this year.) Under It says MADE IN ELKHART IND U.S.A. In a beautiful floral engraving. Im not seeing a manufactor though, on the back of the second valve casing says "4377", Im assuming this to be the serial number as it is the only set of numbers on the horn. It measures a 14in bell and 31.5in tall. Despite being playable the 3 valve slide is barely attached. Does anyone have any information on the repair possibility and cost estimate or the maker and year of the horn? I really appreicate any knowledge!!!!

[bbuxx2026]

[arpthark]

To me, that looks like a Pan-American / student model of Conn.

Serial points to 1918-1919, pretty cool!

I do repair work on the side, as many folks here know. I will actually be traveling through PA next Sunday, and I will make a stop in Reading later this summer. If you want, I can grab this on Sunday, fix it up, and drop it back off to you later this summer.

[bbuxx2026]

That would be incredible, ill reach out privately!!!!

[Grumpikins]

That looks like it will be a really fun tuba to play once its patched up. Good luck, and updates would be great. Also great find for a great price.

[bloke]

The Pan American made by Conn and the Conn badged 2J (from perhaps a century ago) were similar but featured obvious differences.

This is the 2J just so you can compare the two and see the differences. They were the same size and both E flat.