Expert: Kenton Scott - 8/14/2008

Question
I would like to find out as much as possible about my trumpet. I've typed everything i can think of in search engines and came up with nothing. All I know about it is what's engraved on the instrument. It says "made in germany", on the bell it says "Renown" with a fancy hand bell type drawing around it, and the first valve has the numbers 297, second valve 296 under that 35, and third valve 295. The trumpet also has almost all the varnish worn off. It was purchased for me at an antique store. I just want to know if you know anything about it that could help me find out about it's quality, maker, and year.

Answer
The numbers on the valves are simply 'shop' numbers to keep the pistons, and the casings together.  I have seen the Renown name, but no information on what company sold them.  It is likely that it is a music store brand, that is, they were imported and then engraved with the music store's brandname.