Expert: Kenton Scott - 7/1/2007

Question
I have this old brass Blessing Super Artist Trumpet, Stamped PAT. July 19?? can't read last two numbers, the serial # is 14585, and below that is a 0. The last number in the July 19?? may be a 0. A friend of mine's Mother bought this used around 1950. Last played 20 years ago by her grand daughter, and still plays today. Finish is in rough shape is all. It has a plain brown case, trumpet shaped, w/green interior. Any idea on its age? Any info would be deeply appreciated. Thanks, Diane

Answer
Blessing started his company in 1906, but the record is empty until 1935 when the serial number was up to 28000.  So, it is somewhere in there, but that is not much help.

The patent date is July 1910.  So, all that means is that it is no older than 1910.

The lacquer may also give an indication, as it probably became popular in 1930s.  There is no clear indication when makers started using lacquer, but as an example, Holton lists 7 differnet finishes in 1926, but none of them are lacquer.

All in all, I would guess it is probably close to 1930.