1914 Conn Tenor

[BobH]

Does anyone know anything about really ancient Conns? I've got a silver-plated tenor dated 1914. It's been years since I last played it--I lent it out to a buddy, and when he returned it a year later, the pads were shot. The guy worked off his dues to me in car repairs, and I never got around to having the horn repaired. Now I'm thinking of doing so. Anyway, this thing has a corked-off lower key--not sure what it's for. The mechanism is clunky, definitely not a masterpiece of ergonomics, but the tone is as big as a barrel. What have I got, and what can you tell me about it?

[retread]

What is the serial number?

[mark_m]

I believe 1914's a patent date, not the date of manufacture.

[BobH]

No doubt you're right, Mark M. I'll check the serial number and post in a day or two.