Expert: Kenton Scott - 8/3/2009

Question
Just got a trumpet with the following markings:  Buescher Elkhart, Ind, True Tone, 131296 LP 11.  It's silver with gold colored engraved flower/plant decoration on bell.  Very pretty.  It's in good shape, no dings, all keys work.  mother of pearl keys. Two mouth pieces.  

From serial number, it appears to be early twenties or before.  Is it worth anything?  Is it a good trumpet?  I have a nine year old - would it be worth keeping for him?  



Thanks!  

Answer
It was a professional instrument when it was made.  It still has some value.  And, it probably still plays decently.  As far as your 9 year old is concerned, I would caution you that it is not going to look like the other horns his classmates will have, and consequently, he may not appreciate or even like it.  It may be better served not to have him use it a started trumpet, but one that he may appreciate later after he has developed some skills.