Expert: Kenton Scott - 7/2/2007

Question
I have my father's Frank Holton & Co, Elkhorn, Wisconsin, trumpet.  The serial number is 79981.  What can you tell me about this instrument?  My father probably purchased it in the 1920s. It shows a lot of wear but I would like to have is restored to working condition for my granddaughter who is now studying the  trumpet.  She loves playing trumpet and I want to encourage her to continue her interest. Can you recommend where I could have this restoration done in the Boston?  Any additional information regarding Holton would be greatly appreciated.  Thank you.

Answer
The horn dates to 1923.  Holton, although he started the Collegiate student line in the 1930s, really wasn't into amateur instruments.  Most of his horns were of professional quality.  

As far as fixing it up, I don't know of any particular shop to recommend, but depending on what it needs, I suppose you might ask a professional player or teacher in the area.  If you just want to bring it up to good playing condition, most any repair shop should be able to do that.  If you are wanting it to be refinished, then if they don't do that themselves, they probably know who to send it to.  I'm assuming it is silverplated.  If it is unlacquered brass, I would not recommend lacquering it, it should simply be polished with a good brass polish.

You can get some company history at:  http://www.horn-u-copia.net/cgi-bin/yabb2/YaBB.pl?num=1105471602