Holton Collegiate Hatbox Mellophone - RARE! Start Price USD 9.95 Current Price USD 132.50 Time Left - Bid Count 18 Buy It Now Price - Reserve Price - Start Time Wednesday, October 01, 2008 End Time Wednesday, October 08, 2008 Location Cedar Rapids, Iowa See more about 'Holton Collegiate Hatbox Mellophone - RARE!' Description This is a Holton Collegiate "Hatbox" Mellophone that I purchased on eBay a few years ago.  If you're looking at this auction, you probably know that these horns show up here once every few years.  In fact, there was one that was sold here about a month after I bought this one, and I don't think there has been one since.  Not only is this instrument unique among mellophone models, it was apparently either made in very limited numbers or many just did not survive, and is extremely rare.  Even rarer is a complete or near complete kit, with the original case and accessories.  This package is near complete.  With the tuning slide extensions, it can be configured to play in the keys of F, Eb and D.  I believe the only pieces of original equipment that are missing are the lyre, the handle to the case, and a little bit of felt inside the case.  There are some things here that need work - the instrument has a few dents, it needs a good cleaning and polishing, the strap that holds the instrument in place in the case has become brittle and torn apart and should be replaced, and the case needs a new handle. The bell has beautiful engraving, and the text reads: COLLEGIATE MADE BY Frank Holton & Co. ELKHORNWIS The serial number stamped on the 2nd valve casing is 105658.  I'm not sure what that means as far as year of manufacture, but I would guess some time in the 1930's, based on the style of the case. As for condition of the horn, I'll let the pictures speak for themselves.  The instrument is in relatively good shape.  The solder joints are all very solid.  There is relatively little wear to the satin silver plating.  The valves do show quite a bit of rust, but they work very well and compression is decent. There are some small dings in the body, but the bell is dent and ding free.  All tuning slides and valve caps are free.  The original case, with working latche, is dirty but solid.  Included is a very nice gold-plated mouthpiece that is stamped:FRANK HOLTON ELKHORN, WIS. 2 I love to play this horn.  It really should be restored and made a nice addition to a rare brass instrument collection.  I need to sell it, though, to help pay for a pro-line clarinet for my daughter.  *sigh* Thanks for looking! Buyer pays actual shipping costs. I will ship the instrument immediately upon receipt of payment via Paypal, cashier's check or money order. Personal checks from bidders with a feedback rating less than 10 must wait 10 business days to clear before I ship the instrument. Place a Bid!