Expert: Kenton Scott - 10/1/2007

Question
Hi,
I have an antique trumpet which belonged to my great grandfather. He played it in his band called "Knights Band" from Baltimore in the early 1900s. It is silver in color, but I don't know if it's actually silver or nickel. It has a floral engraving around the bell which is a brass or gold color and says: Due to the font, I'm not sure if it says "The Marlin", or "The Martin", Reg. US. Pat. Off. Superlative, Elkhart, Ind. The inside of the bell is a brass color. The number on the second valve is 87785. I would like to know what materials this is actually made of, an idea of value, and how I should clean it up. It has a strange metallic odor I would like to eliminate.
Thanks

Answer
The horn dates to 1928.  The maker is Martin.  It would be silverplated brass.  The inside of the bell is most likely gold plate.  The silverplate will clean up with silver polish.  You will need to be careful with the goldplate as it comes off much more easily.  You may want to check with a jeweler for the best way to clean the gold.  As far as the inside, Dawn soap and water, and an instrument brush is the best way to do that.