Expert: Kenton Scott - 12/30/2007

Question
Mr. Scott,

I recently inherited a Trombone and I'm looking for more information about it and was hoping you could help.  On the bell, it says Buescher Grand, Elkhart IND.  The inside of the bell is brass.  On the slide, you can still see the numbers 153073 38 LP.  I think it also says PAT Oct 29, 07.  The markings below are mostly worn off, but I think it might say true tone.  Using other websites, I think it was made in '24, but that's all I've been able to find.  Any information you would be able to give about the age, if I should try and clean it up, etc. would be much appreciated.

Answer
Patent = To increase bell metal thickness
Patent number: 869619
Filing date: Jul 18, 1907
Issue date: Oct 29, 1907
Inventor: FERDINAND A. BUESCHER
Marketed by Buescher as the "Split-No-Tone" bell

It would say True Tone.  

I would agree on 1924.

The inside of the bell might be gold wash.

LP means that it plays at modern pitch not the old high pitch.

You could use Tarnx, followed by Blue Magic, followed by Hggerty's Silver Polish to clean the outside.  But clean the gold very carefully, it is not very thick and will disappear.