Need help identifying / valuing vintage Olds Opera trombone

Post Reply
Serapium
Posts: 1
Joined: Sat Apr 09, 2022 11:51 am

Need help identifying / valuing vintage Olds Opera trombone

Post by Serapium »

Hello! I have an old trombone that I inherited years ago that needs to find a new home where it will be appreciated and used for its intended purpose. What little I've been able to find on the internet tells me it's an Olds Opera dating to the early 1960's.

What I am unclear on is the relative value, as prices seem to be all over the place. The trombone appears to be Nickel/Silver. The slide operates very smoothly. There are some small dings and scratches, but no major damage. I have what appears to be the original case, but no mouthpiece.

The slide is stamped with serial number 405507, and the three digits on the other half of the slide are 507 (which I understand means they are the original matching pieces?)

I'm hoping someone can give me advice regarding its relative value and the best way to market it so that it gets into the hands of someone who will appreciate it and use it. Thank you in advance for any assistance. I know my grandfather would much rather have it played than being disused in the back of my closet. Image
You do not have the required permissions to view the files attached to this post.
jorymil
Posts: 273
Joined: Sat Oct 26, 2019 9:23 pm
Location: Kansas City

Re: Need help identifying / valuing vintage Olds Opera trombone

Post by jorymil »

Value on a horn like yours really depends on condition, especially the slide. There's currently an Opera with attachment for sale at Dillon's for $1300, so as a private buyer, if the slide is perfect, I'd say around $1000. If you're looking to consign your horn, you can usually get 70% of retail.

Straight Operas are pretty rare, though: if you're willing to wait for the right buyer, you might be able to get a few hundred dollars more.
lupusargentus
Posts: 38
Joined: Wed Apr 07, 2021 5:33 pm
Location: North Dakota

Re: Need help identifying / valuing vintage Olds Opera trombone

Post by lupusargentus »

contact Doug at Brass Exchange. He's a good guy and knows the used market.
Do not do any cleaning or polishing yourself. Someone interested in the horn can "see through" the tarnish and will want to use their trusted tech to tune it up.
For what I have seen in the market jorymill's estimate is probably good. Really depends on the overall condition of the horn.
Post Reply

Return to “Instruments”