Having trouble finding model on this "Martin" Trombone

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Patthebaker727
Posts: 4
Joined: Mar 14, 2023

by Patthebaker727 »

This horn is for sale near me, and I've wanted to start a collection and think this would be a good piece to start with considering the asking price.

The only thing the seller can find is the serial # and from it, I take that this is around 1920-22 (prior to Martin's incorperation acquisition in 1928)

Is anyone aware of the model by looks? or if anyone of note played these? Or if its worth playing today? It seems to be in very nice shape. Just trying to find some history to put in my tome. Thanks![<IMGUR id="a/DPIDSlf">https://imgur.com/a/DPIDSlf]</IMGUR>
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Briande
Posts: 207
Joined: Jan 12, 2020

by Briande »

I believe the model is the Indiana (engraved on the bell). Here is a previous thread you might find helpful: <LINK_TEXT text="viewtopic.php?t=25153">https://trombonechat.com/viewtopic.php?t=25153</LINK_TEXT>
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BGuttman
Posts: 7368
Joined: Mar 22, 2018

by BGuttman »

[quote="Briande"]I believe the model is the Indiana (engraved on the bell). Here is a previous thread you might find helpful: <LINK_TEXT text="viewtopic.php?t=25153">https://trombonechat.com/viewtopic.php?t=25153</LINK_TEXT>[/quote]

Indiana is a much later model. This one looks a lot like my Imperial, except missing the bell lock and slide lock. Bell looks a little smaller than my Imperial -- is it 7" (178 mm)? Note that Indiana had an 8" (203 mm) bell.
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Briande
Posts: 207
Joined: Jan 12, 2020

by Briande »

[quote="BGuttman"]<QUOTE author="Briande" post_id="204683" time="1678809204" user_id="8381">
I believe the model is the Indiana (engraved on the bell). Here is a previous thread you might find helpful: <LINK_TEXT text="viewtopic.php?t=25153">https://trombonechat.com/viewtopic.php?t=25153</LINK_TEXT>[/quote]

Indiana is a much later model. This one looks a lot like my Imperial, except missing the bell lock and slide lock. Bell looks a little smaller than my Imperial -- is it 7" (178 mm)? Note that Indiana had an 8" (203 mm) bell.
</QUOTE>

Did you scroll though the pictures? It says "Indiana" on the bell.
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BGuttman
Posts: 7368
Joined: Mar 22, 2018

by BGuttman »

Interesting. My Indiana bell is much newer and has a very different engraving.

Models of the period you state are Dansant and Imperial. Later there was a Committee model (1940s). There was a designation of "Handcraft" (or Handkraft) to show a specially made instrument, although they still were Dansant or Imperial in addition.

There are 10 Martin trombones on www.Horn-u-copia.net. None of them are identified as Indiana, although one bears the inscription "The Indiana by Martin"
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Doug_Elliott
Posts: 4155
Joined: Mar 22, 2018

by Doug_Elliott »

Indiana Band Instrument Co.

1938-1948

Established by Fred A. Holtz, president of Martin Band Instrument Co.

Indiana Band Instrument seems to have been a separate company until they merged in 1942. "Indiana" was a model name, and then Martin used that name for their student instruments.

So that horn would have been made between 1938-1942

This information is from The New Langwill Index, which I think is accurate information. I don't know where you got those earlier dates.
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Briande
Posts: 207
Joined: Jan 12, 2020

by Briande »

[quote="Doug Elliott"]Indiana Band Instrument Co.

1938-1948

Established by Fred A. Holtz, president of Martin Band Instrument Co.

Indiana Band Instrument seems to have been a separate company until they merged in 1942. "Indiana" was a model name, and then Martin used that name for their student instruments.

So that horn would have been made between 1938-1942

This information is from The New Langwill Index, which I think is accurate information. I don't know where you got those earlier dates.[/quote]

Great history. Thanks!
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JimmySlide
Posts: 1
Joined: Jun 09, 2023

by JimmySlide »

Don’t know about yours, but i have a 1937 Martin Imperial that my dad’s mom bought him new in 1937 when he was in high school.