The helicon is a brass instrument in the tuba family. It is recognized as a precursor of sorts to the more specialized sousaphone. The instrument plays similarly to a standard tuba, the main difference being its circular, rather than rectangular layout. Despite it being ultimately replaced by the more popular sousaphone, some have expressed preference for the helicon for various reasons:

“What’s more, the balance is much better than any sousaphone with a lower center of gravity. The helicon tuba is ideal for standing, moving in jazz performances, or on the march. It’s sound is clear and it projects better than a sousaphone.”

Hall & Quinby was a musical instrument manufacturing company from Boston, formed in 1865 by D.C. Hall and brothers Benjamin and George Quinby. Their brass instruments were generally of good quality and can still be found in many instrument collections and in use by some 19th century revivalist bands today. Their brass instruments and developments in the areas of design and mechanics were the top of the line at one point, and the company managed to sell a relatively consistent quantity of instruments through their closure in 1880.