Title: Alto Horn

Maker: C. G. Conn

Model: Wonder Solo Alto

Date: c. 1891-1896

Geography: Elkhart, Indiana, United States

Material: Brass

Serial Number: 35213

Accession Number: GL-013_A1-13

Provenance: Founding Greenleaf Donation from Conn Museum, 1969

Description

Key: E-flat

Pitch: TBD

Bell Orientation: Bell Front

Finish: TBD

Lacquer: Yes

Engraving: Engraved bell with “MADE / BY / CONN / ELKHART, / IND.” surrounded by a three-leaved plant pattern. Both the foliage and text are stippled.

Mouthpiece: TBD

Accessories: No

Case: No

Notes:

Horn has been refinished. Generally good, playable condition.
Second valve case stamped with “PAT. JUNE / 15.1886”.
Mother-of-pearl valve caps
This instrument is included in the c. 1888 “12th Edition Catalogue of C. G. Conn,” which includes an illustrated catalog of musical instruments and a book of testimonials. In the instrument catalog, the Wonder Solo Alto is described as “an exact copy of the Wonder Solo Cornet, except in size and the double water key.” Its description states: “Length from mouth-piece to bell, 15 inches; width of instrument from the top to bottom of valves, 7 ½ inches. Thickness from front to back, 3 ½ inches. Diameter across end of bell, 6 inches. All Wonder instruments are sent to any address, either in the United States or Canada for six days trial and comparison with any other instruments made in the World and if they are not found superior in every respect for beauty of finish, durability of workmanship, lightness of valve action, ease of blowing, ‘perfect tune’ and facile intonation I will pay all express charges, so that the person ordering will be at no expense.” (The exact specifications of this instrument in The Greenleaf Collection may differ since the exact year it was made is uncertain.)
Here are two testimonials about the Wonder Solo Alto Horn from the c. 1888 “12th Edition Catalogue of C. G. Conn” in the section described as “Book of Ten Thousand Testimonials”:
- “From W. S. Cox, Solo Alto. Elyria, Ohio, C. G. Conn:―Allow me to say a word for the Solo Altos. It has been regarded by many eminent musicians, as an impossibility to make a bell front alto that would produce a perfect and harmonious volume of tone especially adapted to the part in which it is desired, without having it so large that it would be a burden to the player to carry it. I have thought so myself, but the idea has been entirely removed by the use of one of your bell front Solo Altos. The instrument is all you claim for it, and is perfect in every sense of the word. It requires less trouble and muscle to play it than any other Alto I ever used, and it is so perfect in its articulation that the most difficult music can be performed on it with but little or no difficulty. It is also so small that it is as convenient to carry as an ordinary Bb cornet. I am perfectly delighted with my instrument, and consider that I now have the best styled instrument for solo playing that can be made. I congratulate you on your success, as it is nothing but what you deserve.”
- “Everybody in Love with its Beautiful Finish and Fine Proportions. From Mrs. Geo. J. Moog, Solo Alto Player in the Ladies’ Cornet Band, Whitehall Michigan. C. G. Conn―I received one of your Wonder Valve Eb Solo Altos, silver plated, engraved and gold mounted, and feel it my duty to you as manufacturer, to write a few words in its praise. It has been the admiration of everyone. It blows with great ease and highest degree of perfection as regards tune, and the tone is mellow and charming, the valve action is silent, always ready for service. Every one falls in love with its plump shape including the superfine, delicate finish, as well as the handsome and very convenient case. ‘Satisfaction’ is the motto.”