Expert: Mike Pawul - 6/28/2009

Question
QUESTION: My husband bought some instruments over the last few years, and after he died last year I am now trying to determine what I have in hand.  One is a silver trumpet in a very old case with red velvet (it smells very old).  On the bell it says King Liberty Model, Made by the HN White, Clevel. O. I assume it means Cleveland, Ohio.  I would appreciate your help with this.  
I also have a silver trumpet that says: Martin Reg.US Pat Office Elkhart Ind. There is a number 25000 with a 2 underneath.  Can you help me with this as well?
Thank you for your help with this.

ANSWER: Inge, The Liberty was one of the top King horns for many years. They were made for over 40 years and play quite well. I can't tell you a value without seeing the horn and knowing the serial number off the second valve. The late 1930's to mid 1950's are worth the most. The mint ones can go as much as $500. Most fall in the fair to good shape range and go between $150-300.

The Martin is one of the older horns that were made after Martin moved to Elkhart Indiana. It should date to about 1920 and would have some value to a collector but not a lot as an everyday player. Depending on the condition it should fall between $75-200.

If you would like to send me a few pictures I might be able to give you a closer value. My address is: brass1mike@aol.com

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: I really appreciate your detailed and fast response.  I will make some pictures and send them to you.  Before I do that, however, please let me know if I should clean the King horn.  It's brass and kind of dirty, but seems to be in great shape.  I don't want to mess it up by cleaning it.  Also the serial number is 89968.  
As far as I remember, Pat had the Martin worked on and cleaned. It looks in really good shape.  
Thanks again.
P.S. In 1961 Pat bought a Kruspe horn while in the service in Germany.  I just wrote to the company for some information. I wonder if I could ask you for help on that as well, if I don't hear from them.

Answer
The King dates to about 1927 and would be an early model. I wouldn't clean it since it probably is just tarnish. Most collectors would rather see it in original condition and not cleaned and prepped for sale.

Let me know what you find out about the Kruspe.