Expert: Kenton Scott - 7/15/2006

Question
I have a Elkhart Trumpet with serial number 22646,  silver in a leather case with red interior.  Any guess to how old it is?  I know it is at least 50 years old as I can always remeber it being in the family.

Thank you

Answer
Elkhart is a confusing name.  

a) There was an Elkhart Musical Instrument Company that made brass instruments between 1912 and 1917, and that it subsequently merged with Martin.

b) there was a Elkhart Band Instrument Company that made brass instruments between 1924 and 1928.  In 1928, it merged with Buescher.  

c) Buescher also used it as a trade name.

So, your horn could be any of the above.  I believe there were more of c) made than the others, so it is more likely to be one of those.