Bielefeld, Germany
Ernest David

Metal, Brass
ca.  1910-1915
Slide length: 31.5 in, Bell diameter: 12 in
Wind Instruments – Brass Instruments – Tubas / Sousaphones / Helicons

Label reads:  Ernest David / Instramentenmacher / Bielefeld

This slide tuba was made by Ernst David (b. 1864) from Bielefeld, Germany, where he was established as an instrument maker from 1885-1945. David was well known for his trombones that were recommended by Eduard Kuhlo.  Eduard Kuhlo, a German pastor who in 1843 founded the first ‘Posaunenchor’ (trombone ensemble) in Ravensberg, Germany, pioneering the liturgical use of brass instruments in Germany. The ‘Kuhlohorn’ (also found in this collection made by Ernest David), was named after Mr. Kuhlo. 

This slide tuba, the only one I have seen, came in a wooden case.  It belonged to Casper F. Ehlen, Jr. (1887-1976), who started his musical career at the age of 13 in 1900. I purchased it from his daughter, Myrtle Emma Ehlen Kick on 8/21/2014, who passed away at the age of 97, in 2018.  Myrtle shared with me the musical career and life of her beloved father and the great pride he had in this instrument, along with an album of newspaper clippings and photos.  He was the sole owner of this slide tuba, and it is in pristine condition.

Resource: “The New Langwill Index: A Dictionary of Musical Wind Instrument Makers and Inventors” William Waterhouse, 1993. Published by Tony Bingham. pp. 81, 218.