Expert: Kenton Scott - 5/4/2011

Question
We have a trumpet that was played by my wife's grandfather many years ago. The name on the bell is "Diamond." It also has WJ Dyer & Bros. There is a logo - a diamond with a "D" inside it.
The only other markings on the instrument are on the vavle casings. The first valve is marked "43," the second valve has a "44" with the number "15" below it. The third valve is marked "45." Unless the "15" qualifies, there is no serial number. Thank you for any information you can provide.

Answer
William John Dyer was a dealer and importer from 1855-1941

He became the largest music house west of Chicago. He started in Boston 1855-1868. He moved to Mankato MN 1869-1882, In St Paul from 1882 using the name Dyer & Howard. In 1885, the name was changed to W.H. Dyer and Bro. In business until 1941. At least in St Paul, sold Diamond brand instruments.


"That's essentially what I knew, but thanks for responding."

And, I was supposed to know what you already knew - how?  BTW the 43 and 45 numbers on the casings were just manufacturer's marks to keep the piston and the casings together.