Vintage 3 valve “Rex” trombone

Post Reply
jtdavis
Posts: 4
Joined: Wed Apr 22, 2020 2:33 pm

Vintage 3 valve “Rex” trombone

Post by jtdavis »

Hi, I have a unique vintage trombone that I am having a really tough time finding information on. The trombone is a silver 3 valve trombone made by Bryant-Newell Company out of Detroit Michigan under the brand “Rex”. I have found that the company was started in 1903 but I cannot find anything on the trombones made by them. The individual who owned the horn before me said he played it in a Glenn Miller type band during WW2. I am attaching some photos. Serial number 1789. Any information on this horn would be helpful and much appreciated.
Thanks
CED2755A-15D2-4F9E-99DE-8FEAC884393D.jpeg
444A156E-E802-4E41-81CA-B5B6C5091B39.jpeg
444A156E-E802-4E41-81CA-B5B6C5091B39.jpeg
You do not have the required permissions to view the files attached to this post.
jtdavis
Posts: 4
Joined: Wed Apr 22, 2020 2:33 pm

Re: Vintage 3 valve “Rex” trombone

Post by jtdavis »

Here is a more detailed picture of the bell.
You do not have the required permissions to view the files attached to this post.
User avatar
Doug Elliott
Posts: 2996
Joined: Wed Mar 21, 2018 10:12 pm
Location: Maryand

Re: Vintage 3 valve “Rex” trombone

Post by Doug Elliott »

Beautiful, but I never heard of that company.

Info paraphrased from The New Langwill Index:

Bryant, Willard G. woodwind and brass instruments, Detroit, 1895-1930
1903-1920 partnership as Bryant & Newell. Rex Perfection cornets and trombones are known.
"I know a thing or two because I've seen a thing or two."
brassmedic
Posts: 979
Joined: Fri Dec 14, 2018 12:07 pm
Contact:

Re: Vintage 3 valve “Rex” trombone

Post by brassmedic »

it was custom engraved for this guy's birthday.
rex.jpg
You do not have the required permissions to view the files attached to this post.
Brad Close Brass Instruments - brassmedic.com
brassmedic
Posts: 979
Joined: Fri Dec 14, 2018 12:07 pm
Contact:

Re: Vintage 3 valve “Rex” trombone

Post by brassmedic »

Did you see this article? It must be from before 1918, because the Rex name was taken over by Gretsch according to the article.

https://www.trumpet-history.com/Willard%20Bryant.htm
Brad Close Brass Instruments - brassmedic.com
jtdavis
Posts: 4
Joined: Wed Apr 22, 2020 2:33 pm

Re: Vintage 3 valve “Rex” trombone

Post by jtdavis »

@ brassmedic, I did take a look at that article and I have tried my best to try and reach Thomas Meacham (owner of the collection shown in article) but I have not had much luck. Thank you for the response!
brassmedic
Posts: 979
Joined: Fri Dec 14, 2018 12:07 pm
Contact:

Re: Vintage 3 valve “Rex” trombone

Post by brassmedic »

Good luck with your quest.
Brad Close Brass Instruments - brassmedic.com
User avatar
dukesboneman
Posts: 640
Joined: Mon Apr 02, 2018 4:40 pm
Location: Sarasota, Florida
Contact:

Re: Vintage 3 valve “Rex” trombone

Post by dukesboneman »

I had a 1910 Conn Valve trombone with that exact same wrap , It`s more than likely a stencil of the Conn
jtdavis
Posts: 4
Joined: Wed Apr 22, 2020 2:33 pm

Re: Vintage 3 valve “Rex” trombone

Post by jtdavis »

@dukesboneman, Good eye! I would not have known the two shared the same stencil pattern. Thank you!
User avatar
Vegastokc
Posts: 204
Joined: Fri Jun 15, 2018 7:46 am
Location: Rock Hill, SC

Re: Vintage 3 valve “Rex” trombone

Post by Vegastokc »

FWIW:
Looks like there is some info on Horn U Copia also if you haven't been there yet.
(Usually one of the first places I like to go when investigating older and obscure makers. )
Michael Saffier
I ate twice as much lasagna as I should have...
Post Reply

Return to “Instruments”