Expert: Kenton Scott - 10/5/2007

Question
I recently found my grandfather's trumpet collecting dust in his closet, and I'm looking for some more information on it. It is a Legionnaire, with a nice flag like etching on the bell. Towards the mouthpiece, BELGIUM , has been etched in, upside-down and in italic type. The first valve has the number 103, the second valve has the numbers 104 with a 5 below on a second row just beneath the 0, and the third valve has 105 marked into it. It is a bit tarnished, but has a lovely copper color to it, a brownish gold. Any information on what it's made of, or when it was made would be great. Thank you for your time.

Answer
I have no record of a Legionaire brand.  It is probably the trade name used by a domestic dealer.  If it only has Belgium and not 'made in' then is probably dates to pre-1923.  

The numbers on the valves are simply maker's marks to keep the piston and the casing together.  

Sounds like it is a tarnished brass.