Expert: Kenton Scott - 3/9/2010

Question
QUESTION: I can't find a model number. It's got a "Union Lable" stamp on the 2nd valve. An upercase "L" above the serial number which is 124272. These are just above the "union Lable" stamp on the 2nd valve as well. On the bottom of the same valve is a stamp that reads "PATENTED".

The bell is fairly ornate and floral with "made by C.G. Conn Elkhart Ind." the C's look like G's and the G's are slightly more ornate.

ANSWER: John, On later models, the model number is sometimes found on the mouthpiece receiver?  But, you aren't going to find a model number on this one simply because Conn hadn't assigned model numbers to his products yet.

He started that around 1919



---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: So this horn is pre 1919? Did you get that info from the serial number? What more can you tell me about this horn. Antique for sure. I play it almost daily since I had to give out 2 other personal instruments to students this year! I teach at a public school that supplies instruments, but we ran low on trumpets this year. Should I consider NOT playing and refinishing/refurbing it? Thanx again.

John

Answer
Yes, that date is based on the serial number.  

I guess it is common for schools to give out all instruments anymore.  I'm probably showing my age since I went to a school that only gave out cellos, basses, tubas, baritones.  

You can look further on either the Conn Loyalist:  http://www.xs4all.nl/~cderksen/
or
Horn-u-copia.net's Conn Page: http://www.horn-u-copia.net/Reference/display.php?thisrec=%20115

You might be able to figure out which model it is by matching it up to images on one of those sites.

Playing - I'd recommend it.  
Refinishing - with some elbow grease, silver polish (or Blue Magic) and some strips of cloth, you can probably do that yourself.
Refurbishing - if it plays pretty well, then you might want to experiment with a heavier oil, such as Hetman's classic, to see if that improved compression.  If it needs other work, or the valves are really worn, refurbishing might be a good idea.