c. 1900 Lyon and Healy Beau Ideal Alto Horn GL-273_A6-07

Feb 13

Written By Zoe Larson

Title: Alto Horn

Maker: Beau Ideal (trade name), distributed by Lyon & Healy

Model: N/A

Date: c. 1900

Geography: Chicago, Illinois, United States

Material: Brass

Serial Number: N/A

Accession Number: GL-273_A6-07

Provenance: Gift of Kathy Hess, 2018

Description

Key: E-flat

Pitch: High (likely)

Bell Orientation: Bell Up

Finish: Silver-plated

Lacquer: No

Engraving: Engraved bell with “Lyon & Healy / Beau Ideal / Chicago” in zigzag text. The inscription is surrounded by delicate four-petal flowers with stems and leaves.

Mouthpiece: No

Accessories: No

Case: Yes, custom hard case

Notes:

Decorated top and bottom valve caps.
Embossed decorative trim throughout instrument, including on bottom bow guard.
Second valve stem stamped with “C”.
George W. Lyon and Patrick J. Healy began Lyon & Healy in 1864 in Chicago, Illinois. It was initially an outlet for music publisher Oliver Ditson. The company evolved into a popular distributor of musical instruments in the United States. Eventually, they began manufacturing a wide range of instruments, including guitars, brass, and percussion. The company is still well-known for producing harps today.
Restored in May 2025 by Mark Metzler.