[Alan Brinton]

Well, you got me on that one! Look at the placement of the screw on the end of that red alto. I just reviewed a lot of photos in my collection and on Google, and I don’t see another one with that screw. Also, the metal looks distressed where that screw goes in. Do you know of others than the two you have? Do you think it might be possible that these were modified, Michael? (Sorry I called you Martin.) Anybody else have any insight on this?

I definitely would not soak those in a solution or in water.