Seefeldt e-flat Rotary Valve Tuba

A top action, string rotary valve e-flat tuba, remarkably conical with a large throat and small bell, producing a rich sound.  A tiny stamp on the bell reads  ”Seefeldt Musical Inst. Manuf. Co., Philadelphia“. I cannot find enough of a serial number list to give any indication of date of manufacture.

German emigrant William F. Seefeldt produced high quality brass instruments in Philadelphia; the Seefeldt Musical Instrument Manufacturing Co. first appears in 1858.  Instruments were exhibited at the Franklin Institute in 1874 and at the Paris Exposition in 1878; closing out of instrument stock is documented in 1903.

Early on, Seefeldt’s work focused on handmade valves and rotors, later contributing to the industry’s design and manufacturing techniques.  His horns were prized in both orchestras and brass bands for their quality of manufacture and for a generally deep, rich sound.  A succession of family members kept the firm going over generations.