Conn 80-A SN location?

[kehaulani]

Can someone tell me where to find a serial number on a Conn 80-A cornet?

I have one in perfect mechanical condition and the lacquer looks to be 100%. BUT . . I don't know whether it has been relacquered and whether this is a late model or not.

I want to sell it but would-be more comfortable if I could date/authenticate it. I've read thru the Conn Loyalist and other info but just can't find an answer.

Thanks.
_________________
"If you don't live it, it won't come out of your horn." Bird

Yamaha 8310Z Bobby Shew trumpet
Benge 3X Trumpet
Benge 3X Cornet
Adams F-1 Flghn

[E_Smith]

For mine (a 1921 according to Conn Loyalist), the serial # is on the second valve stamped vertically. Pictured here https://tinyurl.com/2p925av8
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-E
College Kid

UMI Silver Flair | Fullerton Olds Studio
King Legend 2070
1921 Conn 80A
Trumpeter, Pianist, Drummer

[Dale Proctor]

I used to have a 1954 model, and the s/n was in the vertical position on the left hand side of the 2nd valve casing, about even with where the bell exited the 1st valve.
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"Brass bands are all very well in their place - outdoors and several miles away ." - Sir Thomas Beecham

[kehaulani]

There is no serial number showing, anyplace. Additionally, there must have excess buffing and relacquering. The bell engraving is barely noticeable.
The horn was sold to me as an 80-A and is constructed as one. Lacquer is 100%. I'm in a quandry.
_________________
"If you don't live it, it won't come out of your horn." Bird

Yamaha 8310Z Bobby Shew trumpet
Benge 3X Trumpet
Benge 3X Cornet
Adams F-1 Flghn

[Dale Proctor]

So, can you tell roughly which era it’s from? The valve caps and finger buttons changed over the years (at least 4 different versions I can think of), and the finishes varied from time to time.
_________________
"Brass bands are all very well in their place - outdoors and several miles away ." - Sir Thomas Beecham

[Shifty]

kehaulani,

You and Dale are both on Trumpetboards. Way easier to post photos over there.

As well, there are some experts in the "Cornets, Corneters, Corneting" group on Facebook that might lend a hand.
_________________
Getzen Eterna 700, Eterna 800
Conn Connstellation 28A, Victor 80A, Connqueror (1903)
ACB Doubler Flugelhorn

[lipshurt]

Yeah there ways to tell which generation it is from. I think that if the serial number is buffed completely off, that is a LOT of buffing. Like if they hit it that hard right there with a buffing wheel, then tube between the casings must be almost buffed all the way through.

You can tell by the opera slide threads, the buttons and caps, the end of the receiver, the springs, and valve configuration
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Mouthpiece Maker
vintage Trumpet design enthusiast
www.meeuwsenmouthpieces.com
www.youtube.com/lipshurt

[kehaulani]

Based on a few comments above, here's a little more info:

Studying the photos on Conn Loyalist, this horn does not have the interlocking rods from the tuning mechanism between the first valve and the player side. But it does not have a brace on the master tuning slide, which my photos of a 80-A do not have. Additionally, on the third-valve slide where a finger hook might be, is a slot for a marching-band lyre.

I'm going to sell it for just a couple hundred bucks, it's otherwise a decent horn, but it is not worth a lot of time and research.

You can see a couple of photos by going to this link. Thanks, again.
https://trumpetboards.com/topic/1147/help-me-identify-this-conn-cornet
_________________
"If you don't live it, it won't come out of your horn." Bird

Yamaha 8310Z Bobby Shew trumpet
Benge 3X Trumpet
Benge 3X Cornet
Adams F-1 Flghn

[Dale Proctor]

I’d guess it’s from the 1930s, since it has the older style valve body, caps, and finger buttons. It also has a pinky hook, a 2nd valve slide that sticks straight out, and no brace from the leadpipe down to the 3rd valve slide. Some of the parts aren’t correct, such as the braces between the bell and leadpipe, and the mouthpiece receiver, so it’s difficult to be certain about it. Have you measured the bore size? There were other Conn cornet models that looked like the 80A, but had smaller bores.
_________________
"Brass bands are all very well in their place - outdoors and several miles away ." - Sir Thomas Beecham

[king leopardi]

If you remove one of the valves from the casing, the serial number should be engraved vertically along the top part that contains the spring.

Conn changed up the valve buttons around 1921 (I have a couple of Victors from 1921 with the older and new style valve caps). Also, from about 1931-1935, Conn enclosed the vertical tuning slide wheel in a housing. Based on that, I'd guess this one dates from between 1921-1931.

Dave Brewer

[lipshurt]

Yup. Early valve buttons. Used to have the quick change mechanism and the leadpipe is not original nor the bell braces. The bell braces are from a 36b or lightweight artist. Looks like the serial number was purposefully buffed off.
_________________
Mouthpiece Maker
vintage Trumpet design enthusiast
www.meeuwsenmouthpieces.com
www.youtube.com/lipshurt

[king leopardi]

Yes, that could be the case. One other possibility is that playwear had worn the serial number down prior to the refinish.

Some of those mid-1920s Conns had the copper valve blocks which seem to wear down easier. I have one of these, and even with the original finish, the serial number is pretty hard to make out.

That is kind of a strange replacement receiver. Looks similar to a 1920s Conn 22B I have where the leaderpipe and receiver were replaced with one from a Conn Director.

These are hands-down my favorite Conn model (particularly with the original deep cup Conn Wonder mouthpieces), but I'm pretty partial to the Bix Beiderbecke sound so I'm a bit prejudiced.

Dave Brewer

[king leopardi]

And lipshurt--great point on the bell braces. I think you're spot on there. Good observation!

Dave Brewer

[Andy Cooper]

We can zero in a little on the date by checking out the valves.

Is it top sprung (like a modern trumpet) or bottom sprung?
They were top sprung in the teens and twenties.

If you want to spend the time, you can check the different valve set ups Conn used by looking at their ads over the years.

https://www.saxophone.org/museum/publications/museumType/1/manufacturer/13

[kehaulani]

[OldSchoolEuph]

[kehaulani]

Ron, considering the questions as to just what it really is, and its condition (BTW, valves and slides are fine), what do you think a good asking price would be? Full disclosure of info, of course. Thanks.
_________________
"If you don't live it, it won't come out of your horn." Bird

Yamaha 8310Z Bobby Shew trumpet
Benge 3X Trumpet
Benge 3X Cornet
Adams F-1 Flghn

[OldSchoolEuph]

[kehaulani]

O.K. Ron, thanks.

Mechanically, it works well, all slides and valves are good with no discoloration on the valves. And one can see from the photos its cosmetic condition.

I think I'll start by pricing it at its functionality vs. authenticity, which is why I bought it in the first place. There must be someone out there with the same kind of values.

If the price is too low, once I deduct shipping and boxing it up, I'll hardly make anything. Might as well keep it for grins or make a lamp out of it. Thanks, again.
_________________
"If you don't live it, it won't come out of your horn." Bird

Yamaha 8310Z Bobby Shew trumpet
Benge 3X Trumpet
Benge 3X Cornet
Adams F-1 Flghn

[Dale Proctor]