Olds Register Submission Form Photo Guide

Question 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.