Posted by Rob P-M on June 29, 2003 at 20:55:49:
In Reply to: 'raincatcher' question posted by Tim L. on June 29, 2003 at 13:23:23:
As js points out, the original raincatcher sousaphones had the bell collar before the upward bend of the final branch, rather than after as modern sousaphones have it.
However, at least for some period of time, Conn made upright bells for the 20K. I have a 1957 Conn catalog that lists both a 20K and 21K (upright bell) sousaphone. The horn cost $739.95 in brass laquer, with a satin silver finish an additional $53. An upright bell was $75 in brass laquer and $90 in satin silver.
I have several pre-WWII catalogs, but none of them mention this option. It would be logical, however, that it was available as a custom order, because the upright bells were available for the 2XJ series tubas, which had the same bell collar diameter as the 2XK sousaphones.