Expert: Kenton Scott - 11/21/2008

Question
QUESTION: I recently received an old trombone as a gift.  Someone found it in their attic.  It was in a beat up ragged "King" case, but not sure if the actual instrument is a King.  The trombone is a dark brass finish with a serial # of 13440, stamped on the slide section below where it fits together with the bell section.  The bell has "Crusader USA" etched on it.  Just wondering what it is, and who made it.  Thanks for any assistance.


ANSWER: Gretsch used Crusader as a tradename, however, there are other horns out there that use the name as well that may not be Gretsch products.  Some also had M&R Co on them and were probably stencils made by Bohland and Fuchs.  And, some - like yours - say USA and appear to possibly be stencils made by Conn.

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QUESTION: Thanks so much for the quick reply.  Just asking another question.  i have spent hours looking on the net for any sign of this horn.  Most of the old "Conn" horn have a weight that displays the "CONN" logo, but my horn just has a barrel type weight with nothing printed, stamped, etched, etc. on it.  Just wondering if that changes anything. And when do you think this horn was made.  Thanks again for your assistance.

Answer
The counter weights - in addition to those that were sold with the horn - were also an after market item.  So, I don't think that it provides much in the way of a clue.  If you want to send pictures to me at Kenton@punxypa.com, possibly I can see other clues.