Help identifying vintage Conn

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Khengis
Posts: 3
Joined: Wed Mar 10, 2021 10:44 am

Help identifying vintage Conn

Post by Khengis »

Having trouble identifying this Conn trombone...

Serial 125xxx (1912?)
Silver Plate
6" bell with gold wash

Reads:
Victory 34
S
H P

Can't find anything like that posted online. Any idea what make/model I'm looking at? TIA.
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BGuttman
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Location: Cow Hampshire

Re: Help identifying vintage Conn

Post by BGuttman »

Does it have a Union Label? (it's a shield with a bunch of letters inside.)

HP means it's High Pitch, meaning it is sorta like a Trombone in B natural. You can't play it in a modern ensemble.

I also suspect the engraving is "Victor" (no y).

A couple of pictures could help. Particularly of the braces and bell engraving.
Bruce Guttman
Merrimack Valley Philharmonic Orchestra
"Almost Professional"
Khengis
Posts: 3
Joined: Wed Mar 10, 2021 10:44 am

Re: Help identifying vintage Conn

Post by Khengis »

Yes, sorry about the pictures. Had to get them over to the laptop.

I think that must be a union badge. Although, pretty sure that's "Victory 34". Victor would be easier to understand...
Shield-SHP.jpg
ConnTrombone-Bell.jpg
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Khengis
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Joined: Wed Mar 10, 2021 10:44 am

Re: Help identifying vintage Conn

Post by Khengis »

Here's a shot of the braces...
ConnTrombone-Braces4.jpg
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BGuttman
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Location: Cow Hampshire

Re: Help identifying vintage Conn

Post by BGuttman »

This is definitely from the "Union Label" period. The label is for the Metal Polishers and Finishers Union. I wonder if this particular horn celebrated the recognition of the Union for representation. Victory is not the model.

I believe the S is small bore.

You may find some more information on Margaret Downey Banks' History of the Conn Corporation located on the America's Shrine to Music Site (you'll have to search for the location -- I can't vouch for the exact name).

While this may not be a great player, it's definitely an interesting instrument.
Bruce Guttman
Merrimack Valley Philharmonic Orchestra
"Almost Professional"
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jacobgarchik
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Re: Help identifying vintage Conn

Post by jacobgarchik »

pre-model numbers
S = small
HP = high pitch
so
equivalent of the later model 3h
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