Trumpet, B-flat

Maker F. E. Olds & Son

Date1951

Place MadeLos Angeles, California, United States, North America

ModelRecording

Serial No.53642

SignedEngraved on bell: OLDS / RECORDING / MADE BY / F. E. OLDS & SON / LOS ANGELES / CALIF. // HAROLD BROWNELL
MarkingsStamped right side of second valve casing and valve stems: 53642
Stamped on valve casings and spring stems, respectively: 1, 2, 3
DescriptionBrass (body), leadpipe and bell of “Re-O-loy” (special golden red-brass alloy used by Olds), nickel-silver (braces, ferrules, outer slides, upper part of valve casings, finger hook and ring, water keys), mother-of-pearl inlay (finger buttons, knob), single loop, main tuning slide at first bow, three Périnet valves (1, ½, 1½), balanced position, second valve recessed to the left (for longer middle finger), top-sprung, spring outside hollow stem, alignment by connecting bar protruding as two lugs (one side marked with cross), nickel-silver pistons, curved (trombone-type) single water keys at main tuning slide and third valve slide, trigger with double slide and pull-ring with lever mechanism at third valve, windway 3-2-1.

Olds catalogs from 1951 onward describe the three main characteristics of the “Recording Trumpet” as follows:
1. The richly engraved bell, spun of golden "Re-O-loy," is an amplifying chamber which has proven unusually vibrant with tremendous carrying power.
2. An exceptionally responsive trigger mechanism operates the third valve tuning slide, so easily and simply that the third valve combinations can be easily tuned without embuchure change.
3. The characteristic OLDS recessed middle valve means maximum comfort and proper playing position for lightning execution of technical passages.

This trumpet shows all of these features and, in addition, a leadpipe of “Re-O-loy.” The perfect balance, praised in Olds catalogs of the time, is achieved by placing the valve segment nearer the bell than usual.
DimensionsHeight: 472 mm
Tube length: 1313 mm
Bore diameter (initial, minimum, tuning slide, valve slides): 11.1 mm, 8.9 mm, 11.69 mm, 11.69 mm (0.46 inches)
Bell diameter: 120 mm (4 3/4 inches)
ProvenancePurchased from Robb Stewart, Los Angeles, California, 1991.

Credit LineJoe R. and Joella F. Utley Collection, 1999

Object number07035

On View

Not on view