Expert: Frankie Bull (Mr.) - 11/8/2009

Question
I have a holton trumpet that seems pretty old and I was just wondering about what time period it was made and about how much it is worth.. The serial number on it reads 175213

Answer
Hi Jeff,

Firstly, it's difficult to put a valuaion on a horn without seeing it as there are so many things to consider, like the plating, general wear, dents, valve action, slide moveability etc., so I tend to give "ball-park" figures instead.

The serial number you give dates the making of your Holton to 1947, maybe 1948, but in any case you have a horn that's 60+ years old. Frank Holton started making instruments in the early 1900s
and made a range of horns of varying quality. To be a little more exact it would be handy if I had the model number, or name (like e.g. "Collegiate"). This may be engraved on the bell or the lead pipe.

Value-wise and based on the information you have given I would suggest a maximum value of $100. I doubt it would be worth any more and the condition has to be taken into consideration. My suggestion would be to start at the $100 and work back from there. Even with the model number I doubt yours would be worth much more.

If it's silver plated it may be worth a little more. Silver usually fetches a better price at re-sell, but again you have to consider the overall condition.

I hope this is of some help, Jeff.

Cheers,

Frankie
Australlia