Conn 88H slide markings

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jrobin9
Posts: 24
Joined: Apr 15, 2018

by jrobin9 »

Anyone have any information on Conn slide markings/serial numbers? I have an 88H I bought blind off ebay (5 years ago) for my son. Serial number is 514833 (which looks like maybe elkhart??). The bell is an Abilene bell with made in usa markings. The slide has the markings C1675. So, appears to be mix of parts but wanted to date the slide for proper identification.
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BGuttman
Posts: 7368
Joined: Mar 22, 2018

by BGuttman »

There should be two letters before the 6 digit serial number. The first 514833 would predate the 88H model. Also, Elkhart 88H trombones were all marked Elkhart. Conn USA started in Abilene and continued after.
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jrobin9
Posts: 24
Joined: Apr 15, 2018

by jrobin9 »

There definitely aren't any letters before the number. Not faded or rubbed off or anything. I guess it might be possible the GA was left off somehow which would make it 1975 Abilene and match the bell. And make more sense.
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Glog
Posts: 27
Joined: Jun 12, 2019

by Glog »

If the letters are two numbers should be five.
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jrobin9
Posts: 24
Joined: Apr 15, 2018

by jrobin9 »

[quote="Glog"]If the letters are two numbers should be five.[/quote]

Hmmm. the site I was looking at showed 6 numbers but looking at more sites most show 5 if G(a) is used. The numbers are stamped on the support brace nearest the slide and are very clear. Also the C1675 on the slide are also located on a brace. I see the 95-96 used a 5(space) prefix with 6 numbers but ??? definately not there. <ATTACHMENT filename="IMG_20190705_090432.jpg" index="0">[attachment=0]IMG_20190705_090432.jpg</ATTACHMENT>.
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Glog
Posts: 27
Joined: Jun 12, 2019

by Glog »

This is the year 2001
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greenbean
Posts: 1958
Joined: Mar 23, 2018

by greenbean »

To accurately date a horn, it is useful to have photos of the bell engraving, F-att wrap, both sides of the valve, and valve lever/mechanism. Having just the serial # is guess work...
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jrobin9
Posts: 24
Joined: Apr 15, 2018

by jrobin9 »

I don't think 2001 is correct but ??? It's a gen I, String linkage, and adding 50 to the serial would only leave 4833 left as the number. The bell shows CONN 88H USA
<ATTACHMENT filename="IMG_20190705_182729.jpg" index="0">[attachment=0]IMG_20190705_182729.jpg</ATTACHMENT><ATTACHMENT filename="IM82714.jpg" index="1">[attachment=1]IM82714.jpg</ATTACHMENT> Any other pics you need just let me know.
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greenbean
Posts: 1958
Joined: Mar 23, 2018

by greenbean »

Sometime in the 1990's is the best I can do. That is a good thing - they are usually good players. And it probably has the longer slide, which is nice.
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jrobin9
Posts: 24
Joined: Apr 15, 2018

by jrobin9 »

Yes forgot about that. It does have the long slide. Still don't understand the serial numbers. They just make no sense to me.
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castrubone
Posts: 220
Joined: Apr 09, 2018

by castrubone »

Yep that's definitely an Eastlake horn based on the engraving, but looks to be made before the Gen-2's. Eastlake Conn's started around '87 and the Gen-2's came out later in the 90's, so it must be from that era.
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Glog
Posts: 27
Joined: Jun 12, 2019

by Glog »

It's very simple, A -1991y year.

The first two numbers +50

These trombones are better than 80s
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jrobin9
Posts: 24
Joined: Apr 15, 2018

by jrobin9 »

Not that simple... First 2 numbers plus 50 would be 2001 right?? But that would put it in gen II range. Most of the plus 50 years had seven numbers not six
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Glog
Posts: 27
Joined: Jun 12, 2019

by Glog »

I had 112H 1995, the letter E

After the letter, four digits. And six digits on the front of the bell.

The same numbering for Conn,King and Bench UMI
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greenbean
Posts: 1958
Joined: Mar 23, 2018

by greenbean »

[quote="Glog"]It's very simple, A -1991y year.

The first two numbers +50

These trombones are better than 80s[/quote]

Not quite. The 50+ series started 1987. Two digits for the year, a space, and a 6-digit serial #. For example, 41 xxxxxx would be a 1991 horn.

The first two digits of a 6-digit serial number never indicated the year, I am quite sure.
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Glog
Posts: 27
Joined: Jun 12, 2019

by Glog »

GA600000 1976

GA700000 1977

GA800000 1978

GA900000 1979

HA000000 1980

HA165000 1981

HA23431 1982

HA33389 1983

HA45522 1984

HA58992 1985

HA68842 1986

HA76618,

37 000001 1987

38 000001 1988

39 000001 1989

40 000001 1990

41 000001 1991

42 000001 1992

43 000001 1993

44 000001 1994

45 000001 1995

- -

- -

- -

- -

5 000001 2000

- -

Before 2000 there is no place.
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greenbean
Posts: 1958
Joined: Mar 23, 2018

by greenbean »

Right. I think during those years, they used a 6-digit serial #. No year.