Going by the published serial numbers, this places it's age somewhere between 1893 and 1915 (helpful.) However, on the same website there is an announcement that the 'King C-Melody was introduced around 1916-1920' - in fact probably closer to 1920 Hrmmmmm. Date Serial Number 1893-1915 1-50,000. Martin Trumpet and Cornet Serial Numbers. There is really little to add against the already established lists. The most common serial list would be from Horn-u-copia which you can check out for a full list, or the Rob Stewart list. (Both are credited for the below information). The serial# on this trumpet is 172858 and it says'The Martin Imperial, Elkhart In. USA on the trumpet. Ps.the mouthpiece shows significant wear. Please feel free to ask any questions. Payment is expected within 24 hours of sale. The top portion of the chart assumes that Martin was in business prior to 1910. One estimate started the chart in 1902. Other information suggests that the Martin brothers were working at Conn in 1902. JH Martin Band Instruments was incorporated in 1904, and reorganized as Martin Band Instrument Co. Numbers in italics are estimated. The Martin Band Instrument company was bought in 1964 by the Wurlitzer company, and sold on in 1971 to Leblanc. The only Martin model currently in production is the fabulous Urbie Green tenor trombone. Previous Martin pro ranges included the Committee and Imperial. Indianas were all student models, to the best of my knowledge.

Years and Serial Numbers are Approximate.
Buescher Trumpet Serial numbers are most often found on the 2nd valve casing - OR if that is buffed off, check on one of the valves themselves! Pull out a valve and look on the section just below the button and stem. In MOST Buecher trumpets in the 1950s and earlier, you can find the serial number here as well.
Please see the Bell Logos section to see samples of each Bell Logo.

If your Buescher Trumpet/Cornet bares an engraving of an ELK on the bell, please see the note below the serial number chart.

*1950 Serial number is different on various sites.. so I have listed BOTH numbers, I think the number MORE accurate would be 326000.

Please note that there are a FEW exceptions to this chart.
1) Some of the modern Buescher labeled trumpets from the 1970-present that have serial numbers that do not correspond to this chart. Most seem to have the 'Upsidedown Nike' Bell Logo and are model BU-7. Selmer must have done a serial number 'reset' at some point.

Martin Committee Trombone Serial Numbers

2) I have also noticed some of the 1960s 'Side Scroller' and possibly 'Top Scroller' logoed trumpets/cornets that have serial numbers in the 100,000 range. These obviously are NOT subject to this serial number chart. These are most likely mid to late 1960s instruments.
3) Most (if not all) Buescher trumpets that have the 'ELK' logo have a separate serial number listing. The Valve Block on these instruments are made by Elkhart and thus have a completely different numbering system.

Any Trumpet or Cornet with the engraving of an ELK (see below) will NOT match up on the Buescher Serial number list. They also bear the inscription 'BUILT BY BUESCHER'. These instruments had their OWN serial numbering system. Most were made post World War II possibly up to 1960. If you see one of these horns and the owner is claiming they are from the 1920s or 1930s or before, then they are using the wrong serial number chart. I do not know if an Elkhart Serial number list exists or not.

Big Thanks to Dr Rick's Vinllage Flute and Sax Shop website for providing some of the serial numbers and years produced.
I also gathered information for this page from MusicTrader.com website that cites Albert Mensinga as the source for MANY of the serial numbers.
If you happen to have any additional information that would make this chart MORE accurate, please feel free to email me.

Yamaha Trombone Serial Number Lookup

DISCLAIMER: The contents of this web site are for informational purposes only. This web site and its operator are not in the business of buying, selling or advertising musical instruments. The use of the information contained on this web site for purposes of buying, selling or advertising of musical instruments is at the risk of the buyer, seller or advertiser. The operator of this web site does not accept any responsibility for such use or any consequences thereof. Although an attempt is made to provide accurate information, no guarantee is given that the information on this web site is either correct or complete. Information contained on this website may reflect the opinion of the operator of this website.