Re: ¿Chu Berry?
Your New Wonder II Tenor was made in 1927/28 judging by the serial number (range of approximately: s/n 143xxx to 237xxx; 1924 to 1930).
The term "Chu Berry" is an affection derived from Lester Young's preference for a Conn Transitional (the actual horn played by Leon "Chew" Berry -and Prez-, NOT a plain New Wonder II). His bandmates used to rib him for playing an, at that time, somewhat outdated model by saying "There goes Prez playing that old "Chu Berry" horn of his.
New Wonder seris I horns, although often misidentified as such, are not actually Chu Berry horns, although again the name was never used or applied by Conn LTD; and if one is to be correct in naming a horn after him, it should actually be a Transitional model.
The patent date is simply for the William Haynes drawn tone hole process used in the manufacture and not the date it was made.
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