Expert: Kenton Scott - 11/17/2009

Question
I have an Olds Coronet that is 59 years old.  It was given to me in 1966.  At that time the coronet was 15 years old.  I assume the coronet was made in 1951.  I played it all through grade school, junior high and high school.  It is still in good shape with very few minor dents/dings. It plays great too.  I would like to know when was the first and last year Olds Coronets made, who made them, and is mine considered an antique?  Thank You, Smiles...

Answer
The Olds company was established in 1908 in California, by trombonist Frank Ernest Olds.

Initially they produced only trombones until Reginald. B. Olds, joined his father. After FE Olds died in 1928, the company began making cornets.  

After World War II, the company introduced the Ambassador student line of instruments.  The company continued in business until

They were located in LA 1922-1956, and Fullerton, CA 1956-1979.