Expert: Kenton Scott - 12/21/2007

Question
I recently came across an Olds silver trombone with in-slide tuning in excellent condition for sale. The owner purchased it around 1930 and thought it was ten years old at the time. The engraving on the bell looks very similar to other 1915s-1925s Olds trombones that I've been able to find online, I'm sure the only difference would be the patent number. I would like to know more about the instrument and unfortunately even knowing the serial of the instrument (M1845) hasn't given me much luck. If you know anything about this serial number, instrument or possible give me some advice on where to look for more information on the trombone I would greatly appreciate it.

Answer
I'm assuming that 1845 is the serial number and the M may represent medium bore. That would be consistent with the information you were given.  That would place it at about 1921-2.  

I have a WEB page on Olds Trombones, you may want to take a look at it, to see if you can find one like yours on the list.(The listing is not yet complete.)  

http://www.horn-u-copia.net/olds-trombone.html

Also you may want to look over the history on Olds at:  http://www.feolds.com/mainPages/history.htm

or

http://rouses.net/trumpet/olds.htm  There are some catalogs on that site.