Expert: Kenton Scott - 4/3/2011

Question
QUESTION: I have an old rotary valve trumpet that I am trying to research. It was brought back from Europe around WWII. The only markings are: Josef Heilwerth    Graslitz   736.
Do you know anything about this horn? Is Graslitz the name of a town or a manufacturer?

ANSWER: Graslitz is a town in the Czech Republic.  I believe that the "H" is really a "K",  Keilwerth. It is not clear in my mind whether this was an actual maker or simply a tradename.





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

QUESTION: Thanks for responding.
Upon closer examination, it looks like the script H is actually a K. So the name on the bell is Josef Keilwerth. The only information on the Keilwerth name leads to a company making horns in the '50's. This rotary valve trumpet definitely was acquired by a soldier in Europe during WWII.
Do you have any additional information? Another trumpet player is interested in buying it and I have no idea of the value. The horn is a little banged up but the valves work very well.
John H.


Answer
There was a Johann Keilwerth in Graslitz by 1920, but they were primarily woodwind makers. His son Julius joined and they expanded into making brass winds. But whether this is the same company as Josef, I don't know.

Like all Czech instrument makers, they were expropriated in 1945, and nationalized.  

The Keilwerth name is also associated with ToneKing, sold by the New York Musical Instrument Co. starting in 1915.  They were dealers and importers. They were later known as N.Y. Band Instrument Co. It is reported that they ceased business in 1950.