1955 Reynolds Emperor Trumpet

Introduced shortly after Scherl & Roth took over Reynolds in 1946, the Emperor trumpet was targeted at advanced student musicians and community band players and positioned as a step up from the basic Roth model. Trademark documentation puts the Emperor name in first use in late 1947. However, the earliest known serial numbers are from around the same time that design changes were made to the Reynolds trumpets and the Contempora model was introduced, ~1949.

The model name "Emperor" may have been chosen to counter an attempt by Boosey & Hawkes to enter the U.S. market after World War II with their own Emperor model instruments, and to protect Scherl & Roth's international import and distribution connections.

This version, made in 1955, is a model 5-B

Model 5-B Specifications

Medium-bore B♭ trumpet

Bore: .458"
Bell: 4-5/8", brass bell
Length: 21½"
Materials: brass with nickel silver tuning slides
Valves: hand-lapped valves, nickel-silver piston
Finish: clear lacquer finish

This instrument has been recently ultrasonically cleaned and inspected by our shop.  No major dents are present, but the horn does show its age.  As described in a 1955 Catalog "Reynolds Emperor Models in medium bore produce that clear, crisp tone musicians and audiences thrill to hear. Beautifully designed with a fine tapered bore that makes playing as effortless as possible. Dependable and fast action produced by solid nickel silver valves that are individually hand-lapped for perfect adjustment."

Instrument comes with a case, but no mouthpiece.  Looking for a piece of American historical instrument manufacturing, and a model that is not the most common on the planet?  This horn woud be perfect for you!