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93/307/1 Mellophone, metal, by Nikkan, Japan, adapted with patent swivel joint designed & made by Mark Graeme Whitty, Australia, 1961-1963.
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Swivel joint patent lodged by Mark Whitty with Australian Government 12 May 1964, Patent No: 27440. An explanation of the invention in the patent states; "French horns and similarly shaped instruments normally have the bell of the instrument directed to one side of the player when the instrument is in the playing position. Therefore, when the instrument is being played in a large auditorium or one having poor acoustic properties, it may be difficult to hear since the bell is not directed towards the audience. It is therefore the object of the present invention to provide an improved instrument whereby the bell may be moved from the normal position. According to the invention there is provided a French horn or similarly shaped brass instrument comprising a swivel joint in the bell tube thereof adapted to enable the direction of the bell to be moved from the normal position." (Patent Specification 274440, p.2)
This text content licensed under CC BY-NC.Description
Mellophone, metal, by Nikkan, Japan, adapted with patent swivel joint designed & made by Mark Graeme Whitty, Australia, 1961-1963.
Mellophone brass instrument of similar shape to French horn with three piston valves. Outside of bell is stamped with floral motif with company logo. Patented swivel joint at base of bell section (the bell tube) enables it to rotate 180 degrees. Seperate mouthpiece of silver plated brass, not original to this instrument.
Marks
Bell: "Nikkan Tokyo"
Central valve: "NO2A/6307178"
This text content licensed under CC BY-SA.Acquisition credit line
Gift of Mark Graeme Whitty, 1993.
This object record is currently incomplete. The information available may date back as far as 125 years. Other information may exist in a non-digital form. The Museum continues to update and add new research to collection records.
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