Selmer K balanced or modified or other?

[Sir_Foucek]

I have a trumpet that I was given by my grandfather and he was told it is a Selmer K Balanced but from what I have read online that would be pretty uncommon. it's serial number is 15xxx and the number on the lead pipe is 24A.

What kind of trumpet do I have?

Also extra detail the finish is discoloring and my grandfather was told this is because it has a plant based finished that is just old. does this check out?
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Just a student with an interest in playing the Trumpet.

[giakara]

Post some piccs but probably you have a very rare and high desired horn .

Regards
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Lawler TL5-1A Bb 2015
Lawler TL6-1A Bb 2004
Lawler TL5-1A Bb 2003
Getzen eterna 910 C
Getzen eterna 850 cornet
Selmer Paris 3 valve picc
Yamaha 731 flugel
Carol mini pocket
Reeves/Purviance mpcs

[GeorgeB]

I own a 1952 Selmer Paris 21( medium bore ) serial 9xxx and a 1959 Selmer Paris K-Mod 24B (medium large bore ) serial 21xxx. The serial number you show would put the age of your horn around 1936-37. I have a friend who owns a 1953 24A and his is a balanced horn. Harry James owned a few Selmer's with A next to the number and his were all balanced.

I have seen a few Selmers from the 1930s ( most were non-balanced Bs ) on the used market so the A balanced models my indeed be rare.
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GeorgeB
1960s King Super 20 Silversonic
2016 Manchester Brass Custom
1938-39 Olds Recording
1942 Buescher 400 Bb trumpet
1952 Selmer Paris 21 B
1999 Conn Vintage One B flat trumpet
2020 Getzen 490 Bb
1962 Conn Victor 5A cornet

[HERMOKIWI]

[bunny]

Correct it is a ML balanced model. Based on the serial number it would not have been K-Modified. Unless it was done later. K Modified refers to a mouthpiece receiver designed for American mouthpieces such as Bach.

[GeorgeB]

I erred in describing my Selmer Paris 24B K-Mod. I incorrectly called it a Medium bore but it is definitely a Medium Large Bore.

I doubt, too that the OP's 1936-7 horn is a K-Mod. I know for sure my 1959 one is because it is stamped on the right side of entrance to the lead pipe.
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GeorgeB
1960s King Super 20 Silversonic
2016 Manchester Brass Custom
1938-39 Olds Recording
1942 Buescher 400 Bb trumpet
1952 Selmer Paris 21 B
1999 Conn Vintage One B flat trumpet
2020 Getzen 490 Bb
1962 Conn Victor 5A cornet

[Goby]

Regarding the finish of your grandfather's instrument, DON'T HAVE IT REFINISHED!!!! You have an extremely rare (and valuable) horn, and if it's in original lacquer, it should be aging to a nice amber color. Selmer lacquer typically holds up well over time, and an original lacquer horn will command a premium over one that has been redone. You're also preserving the integrity of how an instrument plays by leaving it in original condition. Since no one on this thread has mentioned value yet, assuming this instrument is in good shape and original condition, you're looking at $2500-$3000+ for it.

A few notes on preservation of a vintage horn:
1. keep it away from warm or hot water (it will dissolve the lacquer)
2. keep it away from people who might damage it on accident
3 only trust a qualified instrument repair technician to work on it (this means keep the pliers away if the mouthpiece gets stuck)
4. hang onto the original case if you have it, but its not a bad idea to keep the horn in something a little more modern and protective
5. oil the valves regularly
6. enjoy playing it!

[HERMOKIWI]

[GeorgeB]

Correct. I mistakenly left off a digit when I was checking the Horn-u-Copia serial list. That lowers its value significantly.
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GeorgeB
1960s King Super 20 Silversonic
2016 Manchester Brass Custom
1938-39 Olds Recording
1942 Buescher 400 Bb trumpet
1952 Selmer Paris 21 B
1999 Conn Vintage One B flat trumpet
2020 Getzen 490 Bb
1962 Conn Victor 5A cornet

[Richard A]

[Sir_Foucek]

My trumpet is in near perfect condition (has a minuscule dent in the tuning slide) and the finish is indeed turning a nice amber color. We still have the original leather case, and the zipper still works which I have heard is rare. We bought a new case so it is better protected, and so we don't damage the case.

Honestly is is a fun trumpet to play and I love how unique it looks with it's finish.
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Just a student with an interest in playing the Trumpet.

[GeorgeB]