Expert: Kenton Scott - 10/14/2008

Question
I have a silver Art American Triumph trumpet with the tuning slide and the third valve slide switched where the tuning slide is behind the third. It has a second slide on the tuning slide to change keys. It's finish is heavily worn and says American Triumph Made By Art Musical instrument Inc. Elkhart Usa F. A. Buescher.Could you give me any info on this horn on who made it, when it was made, and the quality?

Thank You

Answer
Yep, it is all very confusing.  

1894 - After working for Conn-Dupont, Buescher left to start his own independent company in as the Buescher Manufacturing Co.

1904 - Buescher changed the name to Buescher Band Instrument Co.

1916 -   Buescher sold the company, though he remained as manager and engineer.

1916 - Gronert and Harry Walter Pedler (who previously worked for Rudall, Carte, & Co., and Conn) start the American Manufacturing in Elkhart.

1919 With the death of Gronnert, the company was renamed Harry Pedler Co.

1928 - The Buescher Co. merged with the Elkhart Band Instrument Co.  

1930 Pedler retired.  

1932 - ART Musical Instruments was founded in 1932 by F. A. Buescher

1934 - Harry Pedler was vice-president of the ART company.

1937 - Buescher died

1937 - After Buescher died in 1937, the company became Harry Pedler & Sons - and continued to use the American Triumph tradename.

1950 - Pedler died.   


Both Pedler and Buescher were noted for making quality instruments.