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Antique Musical Instruments/Melville Clark soloist Trumpet (silver)

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Expert: - 4/7/2007


Question
I inherited my grandfathers trumpet, and would like to know more about it. I cannot find anything on the internet. It is in good condition with the leather case although the case show age. What is this worth, should I insure it? It has a 4 digit number on it. Could you point me in the right direction to find the information on it?

Thanks

Rich Kirby

Answer
Melville Clark is better known for his pianos.

The Clark Music Company was establilshed in 1859, in Syracuse NY by George Clark.    They were dealers and the records say that the brass instruments that they sold were made by George McFadden.  

George McFadden was born in England in 1835.  He was in Worchester MA between 1872 and 1874, and then in Syracuse.  McFadden's Production ceased in 1910.  I have no record of them using a different maker.  

Dr Melville Clark was involved in the invention of the synthesizer.  

Stenciled instruments, in general, do not command much value to the collector.

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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.

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