Trombones
Serial Numbers: Beginning Year Beginning Number; 1918: 1201: 1919: 1900: 1920: 3500: 1921: 6000: 1922: 9000: 1923: 12000: 1924: 15000: History. HOLTON's History; See All HOLTON Histories. 1904 Holton Harmony Hints Vol. 1; 1906 Holton Harmony Hints Vol 2 No 1; 1907 Holton Harmony Hints Vol 4 No 1; 1907 Holton Harmony Hints.
There were numerous models of Frank Holton & Co. trombones through the years. This is a collection of user submitted instruments. Click on thumbnails for larger images.
During the 1970′s, the 3rd and 4th digit of the serial number indicate the year of manufacture. 1972 – 127 – 127 – 127 – 127 – 127 – 127 – 127 – 127 – 001 – 001 – 001 – 001 – 001 – 00128485. Note: From 1987 to present, add 50 to the serial number prefix to calculate the year of manufacture.1980 - 1986 serial numbers are for student trumpet and cornets only. Other cup mouthpiece serial numbers are not available at this time.
Model:
Series: Special
Key: Bb
Here’s what a Holton catalog circa 1920s had to say about this horn:
Frank Holton Trumpet Serial Numbers
The Holton Special has been in use by prominent trombonists for almost a quarter of a century, and has won its way to the top on its merits alone…Superior metal and skilled tempering, combined with perfect graduating of the metal and scientific proportions of the bell and tubing, have made the Holton Special, with the exception of the Revelation Model, the most perfect trombone manufactured.”
It has a 7-inch bell which indicates that it is medium bore according to a period Holton catalog. The hand slide has “Pat.10-27-08 / Frank Holton / Chicago / 0 / >3<” stamped on the hand slide.
Model:
Series: Revelation
Key: Bb
Holton Clarinet Serial Numbers
Gold wash 7 in bell
Low Pitch
Bore 0.512″
Frank Holton Serial Numbers
Revelation in-slide tuning