Expert: Kenton Scott - 9/15/2010

Question
Hello, I purchased a 1930’s Pan American (this is what it was advertised as) trumpet. This is a silver plated horn with engraving on the bell. There is an eagle with wings drooping down. The eagle’s head is bent down to the right. Below that is the word LIBERTY. Lower is what looks like a set of lips with a large “K” and “C.” Inside the “C” is an “O.” Under this is 1110 McGee and the last line reads “K” “C” “Mo.”  This horn looks identical to one you list as a Franco American trumpet.
There is no serial number anywhere on the horn. The valves are numbered 70, 71 and 72 respectfully. The only other mark I see is an anchor symbol on valve number two. The horn has the look and feel of a Conn trumpet. I own several early Conn trumpets and cannot find any information on Conn making instruments in Kansas City Mo. The lack of a serial number has me confused unless this is a prototype horn. I know that Conn used either a star or an anchor above their serial numbers (would love to know the meaning of that). The case has a sticker inside saying “LIBERTY, CONN Factory Branch, Kansas City, Mo.”
Any help in identifying this Liberty trumpet model number and age is appreciated.
Sincerely
David  

Answer
That is an interesting one.  I'd like to have pictures of it if you would care to send them to me.  Conn of Kansas City was a business unrelated to to the CG Conn company.  The instrument you describe sounds like an import made in Czech Republic by the Bohland and Fuchs Company.  Liberty was a model name used by Conn of KC.