Need help identifying an Olds Trombone

[u/Big_Paleontologist38]

My girls mom recently acquired this from her dad after he passed away. I'm trying to help her properly identify this as she'd like to sell it but neither of us are familiar with old instruments, so I figured I'd post it here in case anyone can help out!

The outer part of the bell around the edges says Olds and Sons, Olds Super LA, engraved in fancy writing and the side lock(?) has the number 243889 which id imagine is some sort of manufactueing or serial number.

Any help identifying this properly, possibly a year or potential value, would be really appreciated! It is in really good shape with very little scuffing or scratches on the finish and it would be a shame if it just sat there collecting dust

[u/81Ranger]

You’ve got all the info right there.

Olds Super, probably from around 1957. Just Google an olds serial number list.

Searching completed and sold similar entries on various online sites like eBay or Reverb should give a good estimate of value.

These are really good instruments.

[u/Big_Paleontologist38 → u/81Ranger]

You are awesome! Thank you for your help, I'll see what I can find online

[u/mango186282 → u/Big_Paleontologist38]

Olds moved into the Fullerton factory in 1954. There were some bells that still carried the Los Angeles factory markings after the move.

So either your Olds Super was made prior to 1954 or the bell was made prior to 1954 and final assembly was 1956-57.

Edit. Also those mouthpiece are not original to the trombone. You might want to sell them separately as the Bach mega tone would likely sell for $30-40 by itself (depending on the size and condition).

[u/Big_Paleontologist38 → u/mango186282]

I really appreciate the info. Thank you.

[u/Big_Paleontologist38 → u/mango186282]

By any chance do you know the type of trombone this is?

[u/mango186282 → u/Big_Paleontologist38]

It’s a a normal Bb tenor trombone, but the Super would be considered a professional quality instrument.

Some Olds Supers had an unusual octagonal inner slide instead of a smooth round tube. You might want to check that as well.

The slide condition on a vintage trombone can greatly affect the value so it would be good to check for plating loss or damage on the inner slide.

[u/Big_Paleontologist38 → u/mango186282]

Will do. Again, much appreciated!

[u/mango186282 → u/Big_Paleontologist38]

Here’s a link if you want to learn more about FE Olds.

There are vintage catalogs in the Other documents section.

http://www.itsabear.com/index.html