Vintage American Triumph Bb trumpet built by Art Musical Instruments of Elkhart, Indiana, offered with its original hard case.

THE HISTORY

Art Musical Instruments was founded in 1932 by Ferdinand August "Gus" Buescher and Harry Pedler. Buescher had founded the Buescher Band Instrument Company in 1894 and was removed from its presidency in 1919; ART was the company he built afterward, with Buescher responsible for the brass designs and Pedler for the woodwinds. The firm operated under the ART name only until Buescher's death in November 1937, after which it was renamed Harry Pedler & Sons.

American Triumph was the company's standard line; the "Art" name was reserved for their higher-end horns.

DATING

The serial number on this instrument is in the 3,000s. Published serial surveys of surviving Art Musical Instruments trumpets document examples at #0200 (c.1933), #1394 and #1454 (c.1935), and #3528 and #3721 (c.1937), placing this horn at approximately 1936-1937 — within the original Gus Buescher era.

Most American Triumph trumpets on the market today are later Harry Pedler & Sons production carrying serials in the 30,000 to 105,000 range. Early ART-era examples like this one show up far less often.

CONDITION

Good condition for a horn approaching 90 years old. It needs a polish and valve oil before it is played; it has not been professionally serviced or cleaned. Please study all photos closely, as they are part of the condition description. Sold as-is.

WHAT'S INCLUDED

Trumpet and original case.

Packed carefully and shipped promptly. Questions welcome — please message before bidding if you need additional photos or details.