1949 Olds Ambassador trumpet with amazing original lacquer and patina. Serial # 40321Well … first of all the Olds Ambassador trumpet came out in late 1948 / early 49. This is an amazing example of one of the first of them to be hand made. The Ambassador was one of Reynolds babies he designed to make Olds more profitable and a leader in the student horn market.

　　I am sure he watched over and supervised the first production runs of this horn. In addition Zig Kanstul was working at Olds then also. Who knows perhaps Zig test played /QC of this exact horn?? Reynolds specified that the Ambassador trumpet would NOT be made cheaply but rather utilize the same materials, mandrel, valves as Olds professional horns.

　　( this is why many professional trumpet players have an Olds Ambassadors as a “back-up” horn!)So … more about this exact horn… the original 1949 lacquer is 97% intact. A few scratches here and there but the only lacquer wear that I see is on the 2nd valve slide. It’s down to raw brass on a portion of that 2nd valve slide area. I polished it up… looks good. The amazing thing on this horn is where the usual wear takes place … hand holding… there is none !!

　　On 2 braces there were loose solder joints. I had my tech resolder them to bring the horn back to 100% structural integrity. 2 very small areas on the braces… the original patina could not be saved, see photos… not too bad, looks ok. Horn is straight, no dents. A minuscule ping or 2 if you examine for 10 minutes with a magnifying glass. Unable to photograph as they are too small, All other joints / solder connections are intact 1949 factory good . The valves are fast, fluid, no plating wear seen. The slides are all awesome, free. The valves are aligned with newer felts. This horn has ZERO red rot… none. This horn looks like it was played for a year and then put in a closet for 70 years ! I played this horn side by side with another 1973 Ambassador that I have. Ummm … huge difference. This horn has a better more full sound, better construction and a high range … my range is a high G… and this horn nails it !This is one of the earliest Ambassadors that I have ever come across… I almost do not want to sell it. It comes with what I believe is the original case, in clean fabulous condition, no smells, both latches spring and catch, but no key. Also an Olds 3 mouthpiece in great condition AND an OLDS stamped 1949 original lyre… (also with patina)When I first acquired this dent free horn I thought I may just send it out for stripping and re-lacquer… make it pretty like new.

　　Well … no… I changed my mind on that. Just how many original patina lacquered 1949 Ambassadors are still left out there?Are you a collector? Or are you a professional wanting the ultimate Olds back up horn!! ??Is this horn perfect? No …. But if you can find another one like this in better condition…. Buy it!No international bids or shipping. I ship for a flat $45 on this horn including tracking and insurance to any state in the USA.I have other great trumpets on eBay. I also carry brand new “Olds style” trumpet cases. Great to put your cherished classic Olds horn in, instead of the 60+ year old cases. Check out my other auctions! Buy from a trumpet player guy whom is an Olds aficionado and played his first notes on the trumpet on Christmas morning December 25, 1969 !Best,Dean