This tuba features an 1873 patented feature of Cerveny instruments, their Walzenventile, or “roller valves”.  This roller valve mechanism is basically rotary valves that have been rotated 90 degrees from their typical position.  This was done to simplify the mechanism, by increasing the mechanical advantage of the lever system.  The 1873 patent also covered the spring tension adjusting screws, seen in this example as well.  This mechanism was an extra cost option on their higher grades of instruments.

This tuba is probably an example of Cerveny’s primer quality concert tuba, owing to all the beautiful touches, from the engraved valve mechanism, to the incredible dealers label.

Tag #: 201407

Serial #: 22778

Bell Diameter	Bore Size	Height
12 3/8″	.710″, .710″, .748″, .748″, 1-4	37 3/4″

Comments:

There is a large brass seal on the bell with two engraved pictures on it. “SCANDINAVISCHE GENERAL VERTRETUNG F. E. SCHNEIDER STOCKHOLM  KONIGGRATZ” on outer part of seal. “PREMIERES RECOMPENSES, V.F. CERVENY & FILS PARIS 1889- CHICAGO 1893” on inner part of seal. “EXPOSITION UNIVERSELLE 1889 / CHRISTOPHER COLVMBVS OCTXII [illegible]” on center of seal.