Trumpet/Selmer Paris Trumpet

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Expert: Mike Pawul - 5/6/2009


Question
My wife has a Henri Selmer Paris Trumpet Depose Grands Prix Geneve 1927 Liege 1930.  I have seen this before but can't locate our particular serial number - 5641.  Also, the valves are labeled 22.23.24 which seems to be different than others. It also says 4. PlaceDancourt which I have never seen.  We thought about selling but have no idea what it is worth.  Any ideas?

Answer
Micah, Your horn is a Grand Prix model and was made in 1947. Selmer makes their valves in batches of 99 and they are numbered 1-99. So your horn has valves 22-23-24 of a batch. The value is determined by the finish (silver or lacquered), wear to the horn and valves, and work needed to put it into top shape to play. It should fall between $250-500.

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Mike Pawul

Expertise

I am familiar with most trumpets, cornets, and flugelhorns. I can answer most questions about playing and musicality. Best of all, if I can't answer it directly I play regularly in several bands and have many "old timers" that are familiar with most things that I am not. I collect, repair, and refinish old horns and have sold over 600 with more than 400 on ebay

Experience

I have played since 1965 and studied with many directors and trumpeters. I have been collecting since 2002 and have over 150 horns in my personal collection. I have done repair and refinsh since 2003 and have done work on over 900 horns.

Organizations
Kosair Shrine Brass Band and Dance Band, The Notables, The Mello Tones, Bourbon City Brass Band, River Cities Concert Band, Derby City Brass Band, University of Louisville Community Band, Member of Trumpet Players International Network (TPIN), Bugles Across America (BAA), Member of the National Association of Professional Band Instrument Repair Technicians (NAPBIRT)

Education/Credentials
I played at Brunswick High School. I played through college and have a BS in Business Administration from Trinity College. Of course, I am still learning from all my friends that play and work on trumpets around the world.

Awards and Honors
Without being vain, numerous awards and have played in several honor bands.

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