Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
J.W. Pepper 

Copper
ca. Late 19th – Early 20th Century
Wind Instruments – Brasswinds – Tubas / Sousaphones / Helicons

Engraved on the bell: J. W. Pepper / Philadelphia.

This helicon made by J.W. Pepper in Philadelphia, has three piston valves and is made of copper.  The helicon is a brass musical instrument in the tuba family. Most are B♭ basses, but they also commonly exist in E♭, F, and tenor sizes.  The helicon was first produced by Ignaz Stowasser of Vienna, in 1845 and patented in 1848.  It consisted of a small forward-looking bell with the tubing encircling the player’s head, while passing beneath the right arm and resting on the left shoulder.  This made it easy for carrying the instrument for long periods of time while marching or mounted on a horse.

Resource: “Helicon.” Anthony C. Baines/Clifford Bevan. “The Groves Dictionary of Musical Instruments,” 2^nd ed. Vol. 2. Laurence Libin, Editor in Chief. Oxford University Press. 2014.