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Question
I found an old trumpet when my Dad passed away. It is in a case and looks pretty old. It has Empire and Beare and Sons on the side. I was wondering about the date of it and if it is brass or silver. I wanted to clean it up and not sure exactly what to use on it or if doing so would wreck it. Any information would be greatly appreciated.
Beare and Son were in London from 1883 to into the 2nd quarter of the 20th Century. Beare & Son also had a presence in Toronto, Canada.
It is almost certainly brass - possibly with silverplating. If it is silver plated, you can use a good quality silver polish on it.
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Answers by Expert:
Kenton Scott
Expertise
Please note: My area is BRASS instruments, not other wind, string or percussion instruments. I will provide information on antique, obscure and out of production BRASS instruments. 1) Please don't ask for evaluations, I'll not provide them on this site. 2) I am often asked very similar questions, so I'd invite you to first check on Horn-u-Copia.net. Much of the information I have garnered about this topic, I have posted on this WEB site.
Experience
I perform in several historical bands, have informally researched the area, repair brass instruments, and operate a Forum dedicated to the topic at http://horn-u-copia.net
Education/Credentials
B.S. Ed, M.S.
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