So, I have 2 3/4 double bell euphoniums already (1917? King 4 valve; 1938 Buescher 4 valve missing the change valve (hence the "3/4"); and a 1945 Conn short action 5 valve).
A few days ago, a friend of mine who owns a music store called me to ask if I wanted yet another DBE. The short answer is no, but then maybe...what is it?
He bought it from customer and I am getting it from him tomorrow. It turns out that it exactly like the Conn I already have. 5 valve, short action, silver finish, gold wash bells and original case.
The crazy part is that the serial number also dates it to 1945 and it is only 44 from the one I already have. Considering the Conn serial number range for 1945 is only 100 numbers which they probably did not use all of (wartime brass shortages); it is undoubtedly from the same production lot as the one I already have. I have always wanted to give each of my children a DBE. I have 3 kids, all brass players. Two of them are twins; this was meant to be.