This beautiful bell was originally attached to a 1929 (you read it correctly) Holton made in Elkhorn Wisconsin; serial number 104592. It has been removed from the battered old horn, straightened, delacquered, cleaned, and fitted with an Engelbert Schmid compatible ring made of bronze for its good wear and low friction properties. A silhouette of dancing flames has been made from thin sheets of brass and copper and then carefully soldered onto the bell. The copper flames dance over the yellow brass flames that circle the bell rim perimeter, creating a con fuoco visual effect.
But wait, there is more! A colorful sugar skull pattern has been painted onto the interior of the bell using a hydrographic paint dipping method for an extra step of character. A semi-gloss clear coat has been applied as a protective layer–interestingly and unintentionally, this clear coat has a slightly textured surface.
The bell with its bell ring weighed 377g before the flames applique. It weighs 461g after the flames were applied and weighs 469g after the painting. This vintage bell flare has a profile matching a #2 CF Schmidt bell profile, which has desirable playing characteristics.
