Olds Register survey form photo guide
This photo guide has been developed to assist with identification of terms and features included in the Olds Register survey form. This is a work in progress, so not all questions in the survey are currently listed. The guide is not linked within the survey form, so we recommend opening this guide in a separate window and then open the survey form. Toggle back to this guide as needed for assistance with the survey.
1. Serial number
Olds serial numbers began with a 3 digit number in 1929. The in the first few years the location moved around but was generally on the right side.
When the Mendez model was introduced in 1952, the serial number was stamped on the left side of the valve casing and oriented perpendicular to the bell. All other models continued to have the serial number stamped on the right side of the valve casing. Here is a photo of a Mendez trumpet serial number.
About 1963, the serial number began to be stamped on the other side of the valve casing and was perpendicular to the bell. By this time, the serial numbers had exceeded 425000
In 1977, the serial numbers reached 999999 and so they began over using the letter “A” at the start of the serial number. The first number was A00001 and the last number in 1979 was approximately A49000. Here is an example of one of these serial numbers beginning with “A”. The serial number is in the same location and orientation.
2. Instrument Type
Trumpets are typically 18 to 19 inches long:
Cornets may have different configurations but are generally about 15 inches long:
Flugelhorns are much less common and are about the same length as a trumpet but have a much wider bell:
3. Which location is stamped or engraved on the Instrument?
All instruments made by F.E. Olds & Son were made in either Los Angeles or Fullerton California. The move from the old Los Angeles plant to the new Fullerton plant took place in 1954. The engraving showing the location of varies by model, but typically, this can be found on the bell engraving. The following are a few examples of where to look. If the instrument is stamped or engraved Elkhart, Chicago or any other location other than Los Angeles or Fullerton, California, it was not made by F.E. Olds & Son and should not be submitted to the Olds Register.
Model name. There are 24 different models listed. The model name is almost always engraved somewhere on the bell. The very early (3 digit serial numbers) models did not have a model name and were simply know as “The Olds” model. If you can’t find one of the 24 model names engraved on your trumpet or cornet, send us a message and we’ll try to help. Here is a brief description and a couple of photos of each model:
Ambassador
Trumpet and cornet models were made from 1948 to 1979. There are likely more Ambassador trumpets and cornets in existence than any other model for all brass manufacturers in the world. They were well designed and built and many are still in use today. One distinctive feature are the waterkeys that are on the bottom of the slide, which is different from other Olds models (and most other trumpets)
Late 1940’s Ambassador cornet:
1960’s era Ambassador cornet
Ambassador trumpet (early models have the ring on the leadpipe, later models have the more traditional pinky hook).
Special
The Special model was introduced in 1939 and trumpets were made until Olds went out of business in 1979. Special cornets were made for most of those same years and used similar materials as their trumpet counterpart. The Special model underwent a number of design changes over the years. The first models were generally lacquered brass, but at different times in the 1930’s through mid 1950’s the Special model might have had some nickel-silver parts instead of only brass. In the late 1950’s, Special became “tri-colored” with a brass body, nickel-silver bell tube and bronze bell flare. In the 1970’s it was redesigned again into a Nickel plated model. All variations have “Special” engraved on the bell.
1930’s era Special with nickel-silver parts:
A mostly brass version from the 1940’s
A Special cornet from the 1930’s
A Special cornet from the 1950’s
A Special “tri-color” trumpet from the 1960’s
A Special trumpet from the 1970’s. Although silver in color, this is a nickel-plated trumpet. The easiest way to tell the difference between a silver-plated and a nickel-plated instrument is that nickel-plated instruments have a clear lacquer finish on top of the nickel plating. Silver plated instruments do not have a lacquer finish.
Older nickel-plated instruments will show scratches and lacquer loss that gives them a very uneven appearance.
