Expert: Kenton Scott - 2/11/2010

Question
Hi...in 1963 my parents bought for me an old "varsity" trumpet..it has no serial #, no manufacturer i.e. conn, cleveland, bach, etc..just says varsity..the valve springs are on the bottom and separated from the valves...I'm just curious about the history of this horn.  My parents told me that whoever sold it to them said it was made in the middle 1800's.  It got me through high school and I since have upgraded, but this horn is a very well made interesting horn....thanks....Mark

Answer
It is most likely a Holton.  Holton appears to have used the name for a student model line.  However, there is also some indication that possibly some other makers may have also been so branded.  

It is very unlikely that it dates into the 1800s, particularly not the mid 1800s.  Trumpets were rarely used in the 1800s, as players favored cornets.  There were few makers and they were named by the company name, not a title like Varsity.  Besides most all of the horns used in the 1800s were high pitch, which means you could tune to play with a modern band.