Expert: Kenton Scott - 8/20/2010

Question
Dear mr. Kenton,

I recently enherited a trombone from my late father. At that time I had no interest in this instrument but now 3 years later I have the urge to find out more of this instrument.

I checked the internet but could not find the exact model similar to mine. Tracing a serialnumber was not succesfull either. Then i found this website and read a lot of questions about similar topics. Therefor I write you this email to ask your opinion.

(sorry for my english, im from the Netherlands)

I have here a trombone valve cavalry C. MAHILLON BRUXELLES.
Under the name of the fabricator is placed a 0 and underneath that a star-sign. Further a army tag of the Belgium army is found above the text.

The serialnumber of this instrument: 697

Is there any way you can give me more regarding this instrument, date of build etc etc...?

I hope you can help me out. I would be gratefull!

With Regards,

Jan  

Answer
Charles Mahillon founded his business in 1836, and continued in business until 1935. In its earlier years appear to have been a notable highly regarded company, 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.

There are several of his different styled valve trombones on this page:  http://www.horn-u-copia.net/show.php?selby=+where+instrument%3D%22Trombone;+Valv...