Alto saxophone case: Private Pretoria Herbert Zanker, 2/43 Battalion

Saxophone case bound in black leatherette and bearing a black enamelled nameplate ("CG CONN / BAND INSTRUMENTS / WORLD'S LARGEST MANUFACTURERS / ELKHART, IND., USA") rivetted to the outer lid. All corners bear nickel-plated brass corner protectors; the lid is hinged with cotton tape augmented by three rivetted nickel-plated brass hinges. The front of the lid is equipped with a pair of suitcase locks and a keyed latch (all from nickel-plated brass) and bears a leather carrying handle.

The interior is lined with purple velveteen over wooden shapes designed to cushion the saxophone against excessive movement. The right hand side is equipped with an opening storage case, in which the neck and mouthpiece are stored, as well as spare reeds. A thin brass coloured sticker inside of the lid bears the same information about the maker as the outer nameplate.

Commercial saxophone case made by CG Conn of Elkhart, Indiana and used to carry his Conn alto saxophone by Private Pretoria Herbert Zanker, 2/43 Battalion in the battalion's band. Zanker was born on 20 January 1902 at Orroroo, SA, and enlisted at Adelaide on 2 July 1940 with the 2/43 Battalion. After training he embarked for service in the Middle East in December 1940, serving as a stretcher bearer and band member, playing such popular melodies as "Elmers Tune", "There's Nothing Like Music" and "Comin' in On A Wing and A Prayer", for which his family donated the music. He was wounded at Tobruk on 21 October 1941, later served in Syria and was discharged from the AIF on 14 November 1943. According to his family Zanker acquired this alto sax in Australia in 1938.