Expert: Kenton Scott - 10/31/2007

Question
I have on old York Trumpet which belonged to my uncle now
93 yrs. old.  Serial # 101760 with an extra tuning slide
which changes the horn from the usual Bb to Key of C.
He used in high school gradation in 1932 and in College
until 1936.  The trumpet, lyre,  mouth piece, and case are
in excellent condition.  How old is it and its value?

Secondly,  I read on these pages about Martin Trumpets.
While working in a music store from 1961 -1968, The name
of Martin was purchased by Wurlitzer Co.  I sold a few of
them but Holton's were much prefer locally.

Answer
The York serial number list is constructed, i.e. it is an approximation but according to the list, that horn dates to 1932.

Almost all the old traditional companies are gone.  Martin is gone, Holton is gone, Olds, Reynolds, York etc. are all gone.  In some cases, their name lives on as a tradename for another company.  

I played a Holton in those days.  I lucked into it because of a good price, not because I knew anything about the brand at the time.  But, most people around me then were buying Conns, Kings and Getzens.  I played that Holton until about 10 years ago.