Expert: Kenton Scott - 7/31/2011

Question
We recently recovered a trombone in its case...we apparently bought it at a yard sale some years ago and were cleaning out our basement and my wife wondered if it was mine - anyway...it appears to be a silver trombone...it looks to all be original with the mouthpiece included. On the bell it is stamped with JW Pepper & Son, Special TY, Philadelphia 69367. It needs to be cleaned up but otherwise it is is in very good shape. It looks as thought the user put tape on the area where he/she would hold it. If you could help me out to find out about its origins/worth (if there is any) it would be appreciated. Thank you for your time and consideration. I could send a photo if needed.

Answer
Pepper always imported some of the instruments he sold, but after 1910 he discontinued manufacturing any and all that he sold from that time on were imports.  Yours was likely sold near to 1920.  It is probably not something that will generate much interest.