Expert: Kenton Scott - 5/9/2009

Question
I bought this particular trumpet from a used furniture store, of all places.  Just curious if you had ever come across or heard anything like this...

On the bell it has the numbers 535
the name C.Mahillon
then Brussels
then of course Made in Belgium with the letter W under that.
It also has a crest of some kind with the words "L`Union Fait La Force" at the bottom.

I did not find a serial number anywhere.  If you know anything about this trumpet, please let me know.

Thanks,
Randi

Answer
Charles Mahillon founded his business in Bruxelles in 1836. In its earlier years the company appears to have been highly regarded, but in later years, they slowed down. There was also a Mahillon & Co, in London, from 1844-1922 which was a branch of the above company. The firm closed in 1999.