TromboneChat

Does anyone know of an online Shires Serial Number List? I'd like to get a manufacturing date on a horn. I wrote Shires through the Contact Us form on the site, but I thought I'd ask the experts here too. Thanks!

I don't believe they have a published serial number list. If you share the first few digits (ie 118XX or 75XX) that might be helpful.

Blabberbucket wrote: Fri Oct 03, 2025 7:25 am I don't believe they have a published serial number list. If you share the first few digits (ie 118XX or 75XX) that might be helpful.

It’s a 4 digit number, 11XX

It doesn't exist, either online or at the factory. And even if it did, with a modular instrument, the serial number only tells you something about the part it's on - in this case the valve section. Anything else could have been manufactured years later. Or earlier.

That would be very early though. I think the first serial number was 1000 or 1001.

It's a small-bore 8" bell section, so all one piece. That means the bell section was made in the 90s?

Probably yes. I don't remember small bores happening that early, but my memory may not be accurate.

1100 is very early. When I was building there around Covid-times, we were in 11000 and 12000. I don't think they'll have record.from that time, but it's possible.

My original Shires was numbered 00454 - always curious about that. Got it from Aaron Moats on the old trombone forum in 2002.

A few years ago when I had an older shires. I was curious when it was from and reached out to Alexis. I had to follow up, but she got back to me with a year (2007). You may have luck doing that. At least they’ll tell you if they don’t have a record of serial numbers from the time.

OK, upon closer examination with magnification and good light, serial is 41XX.

Does that make more sense?

Yes, that makes more sense. Small bores weren't offered until around 2000.

Heard back from Shires, 2015!
Thanks, Everybody!