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Help Identifying An 88H

Posted: Tue Aug 22, 2023 5:02 pm
by echoarcade28
Hi all -

I recently bought an 88H and am loving it. I was hoping to learn a little more about it. The serial number is 192xxx. No mention of Elkhart on the engraving. It also is all silver, with no gold accents.

Serial does not line up with what's on Conn's website and I can't find any other all silver horns with this type of engraving. Anyone know anything about this one? Would like to know anything unique about its sound-giving qualities or its care.

The seller told me the previous owner used it in the military. Could be a 1984 based on this list: https://www.horn-u-copia.net/serial/Connlist.html

Thanks!
Justin

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Re: Help Identifying An 88H

Posted: Tue Aug 22, 2023 7:13 pm
by Kevbach33
Looks to me to be a Gen 2 88H from Eastlake, OH; that engraving, and the rotor and mechanical linkage are the telltales. A Gen 1 from Abilene or Elkhart would have a more normal, smaller rotor and string linkage with an upwards bent thumb lever. It's not unheard of, but silver plated Gen 1 bones are quite rare.

In any case, I'm not surprised that this 88H was used in the military, which had (has in some cases still?) a tradition/requirement of using all silver plated brass.

Enjoy your (new to you) axe!

Re: Help Identifying An 88H

Posted: Tue Aug 22, 2023 7:21 pm
by hyperbolica
Yeah, thats a Gen 2, i had a Gen 2 8h and it was fantastic. Oil the valve now and then, clean out the slide every 10k miles and don't be rough with it. Great horns, enjoy it.

Re: Help Identifying An 88H

Posted: Wed Aug 23, 2023 11:35 am
by echoarcade28
Tremendous. Thanks to you both! It definitely seemed newer than '80s, and I've heard Conn sometimes used different numbering schemes for different models.

First horn I've had that's anything like it so I'm enjoying it!