Antique Musical Instruments/Bach Mt. Vernon

Advertisement

Expert: - 12/16/2005


Question
I cannot tell if this horn is a mount vernon or not. I havent seen any other horns with the square stamp above the serial number but i cannot make it out and the horn does not say mount vernon on the bell. are the mount vernons not a special make, just from a certain factory or what?


Answer
I'm don't know all the subtleties of Bach Strads, but it is my understanding that Mt Vernon indicates where it was made, but it also indicates an instrument of special quality.  I believe that the Mt Vernon plant made Bach instruments from 1952 to 1961 (or thereabouts).  Bach sold his company to Selmer in 1961, and though they are still good instruments, I don't believe they have quite the reputation of the Mt. Vernons.

kms  

Antique Musical Instruments

All Answers

Answers by Expert:

Ask Experts

Volunteer

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.

©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.