Olds Register photo guide – Los Angeles Question 1

Serial Number

Olds trumpet and cornet serial numbers began with a 3 digit number beginning with the first trumpets produced in 1929. The location was generally on the right side of the valve casing. For early models it was near the bottom of the casing.

After the first year or so, the location was standardized on the middle valve casing just below where the leadpipe crosses.

If the serial number is worn down or hard to read, it may also be located in other secondary locations. The most common place is on the valve spring barrels. To see this location you will need to unscrew one of the valve top caps to remove the piston. These parts are made to be removable for oiling the valves, so it is not very complicated to remove and replace them.

When the Mendez model was introduced in 1952, the serial number was stamped on the left side of the valve casing and perpendicular to the bell. The Mendez model is the only model made in Los Angeles with the serial number in this location and orientation.