1940 Olds Super Recording Trumpet SN 7640

1940  Olds Super Recording trumpet  

This is a 1940 Olds Super Recording.  This is earliest version of the  Super Recording. The Super Recording represents the pinnacle of Olds craftsmanship. The Super Recording was known at the time as the "Super Olds Recording Model." Prior to this model, the Super had been the model at the top of the Olds lineup. Thus, this new model built on the reputation of the Super. The Super Recording had three different design phases during its approximately 10 year production run. This represents the original design from the late 1930's to early 40’s and is the rarest, and to many Olds aficionados, the best.    

Based on data in the Olds Register, this Super Recording was likely made in the 3rd batch of Super Recording trumpets with anywhere from 15 to 25 Super Recordings in those two initial batches, so this is a very early example of this model.

More information about this rare early Super Recording model can be found in the 1941 Olds Catalog posted below.

 This has the "dual leaderpipe" that is referenced in Olds literature. It has a brass leadpipe with a nickel-silver sleeve that is placed over the receiver and leadpipe. It also has the wider nickel silver tone ring that is only found on pre-war models. These early models have "Super Olds Recording Model" hand engraved into the tone ring. Other than the tone ring engraving, there is no engraving on the bell. 

This trumpet was recently acquired from a collector who had it restored a few years go.  Unfortunately, this collector used several reputable restorers for his collection but could not say for certain who did the work.  The restoration is well done and the engraving is sharp and clear.   The valves were not addressed with this past restoration and we found the  compression to be a little weak, so Charlie Melk recently replated the valves and performed a precision valve alignment so this horn now plays as well as it looks.  

Although not noted in the literature, this horn is one of the Super Recordings that  has a higher copper content brass on the bell than the yellow brass of the rest of the horn. Although not nearly the copper content of the later Recording models, there is a definite “gold brass” appearance to the bell.    

This trumpet is clean inside and out. All slides are smooth. Valve action and compression is very good.    Engraving is sharp and clear.   

Does not come with a case.    

FEATURES:  

• Nickel plated trim and brass lacquer finish  
• Higher copper content brass on the Bell  
• Balanced forward valve section  
• Nickel silver outer leaderpipe  
• Nickel plated valves with offset middle valve  
• Nickel silver tone ring  
• 3rd Valve Finger Ring   
• 3rd valve stop rod assembly  
• Bore: .460" Medium-Large Bore 
• Matching serial numbers on all spring barrels, top caps, and valve stems. 
• Last two digits of the serial number stamped on each of the slide tubes.  
• Two Pin Brass Valve Guides  
• Dual Trombone style lever water keys