Made in Elkhart, Indiana, USA in 1923
Model 11 (later became model 206) AKA the “Wizard”
Serial no. 149149
Length 19 1/2 inch, bell diameter 4 3/8 inch
Silver-plated body, gold-washed bell and partially gold-plated engravings, showing a floral design and the brand name and location
Mother of pearl valve tops
A/Bb key adjustment with rotary quick change to A
Suitable for jazz and classical music (Louis Armstrong played a Buescher TrueTone)
Included :History :
This is an heirloom that was passed on to my wife in the late 1980's after the death of her grandfather in the US, who was a trumpet player. We don't know how and when he obtained it. It could very well be that he purchased it new when he was a young man. She has kept it in storage in its case since then without playing it or taking it out much. When she moved from New York to the UK 12 years ago, she brought it with her. As we are now moving house again and need to declutter our belongings, it's time to let this unique item go.
Condition :
It was still in pretty good condition when I first took it out if its case, especially considering it's almost a 100 years old! I didn't know anything about trumpets but did quite a bit of research and managed to clean it up and make it shine again. Air blows through it fine, including when you press the pistons and the pitch changes. The valves look to be in good condition. The internet is awash with folks raving about these old Bueschers, how much they like their subtlety and tone.
That's all I can say. I cannot guarantee it will still sound the same as it did a century ago. It might, but it also might not. We live in rural Scotland so we've got no experts nearby we could consult. I've included a lot of good photos in high resolution so you can have a closer look yourself and see if you think all is as it should be. There are a few tiny blemishes (1 mm or less) to the silver plating and two small (1 mm) dents at two places. It really is in an excellent condition for its age.
Global Shipping Program is active so can be shipped anywhere eligible, but it might involve some extra time and costs.