Reynolds (Professional) Trumpets

Documented model numbers are not yet available for Reynolds' earliest trumpets. Instead, I've grouped the examples below by the combinations of parts made of nickel silver, brass and/or sterling silver — production dates are estimated through serial numbers and engraving patterns. The three key components that were variously available in nickel silver were the leadpipe, the balusters (upper valve casings) and the slide tubing coming from each valve. I've identified four material combinations so far (Models A-D), each with either a brass bell or sterling silver bell. For the sake of consistency with known model numbers, I am using the model number (50) that the Reynolds trumpet was known with in the late 1940s.

Trumpets from Reynolds' first decade of operations feature an ornate engraving pattern across the width of the bell flare. Both brass and sterling silver bells feature significant filigree with the latter adding inlay gold as well.

Unlike the F.A. Reynolds cornet, which is an obvious and direct descendant of the King "Master Model" cornet, the early Reynolds trumpets do not have as clear a lineage. The "Master Model" trumpet was discontinued in 1924, replaced by the King "Liberty" model. From 1920-1933, the Liberty trumpet underwent design revisions that Foster Reynolds would have been very familiar with, and which are reflected in his own trumpets.

However, one source notes, that while the externals may be similar, the King "Liberty" trumpet had bottom-sprung valves, different bracing between the lead pipe and bell, and what appears to be a tighter wrap. Instead, it's noted that H.N. White Co. may have supplied Vincent Bach with valves when the latter was starting out and that Foster Reynolds would have been very aware of the Stradivarius model, to which the Reynolds trumpets reportedly sound very similar when played side-by-side.

One final note—the Reynolds trumpet was documented as Model 50. The King "Liberty" trumpet was model no. 1050 in the H.N. White catalog. Whether this was coincidence, competition or tacet acknowledgement of the instrument's history may never be known.

After Scherl & Roth took over operations in 1946, it appears that the engraving pattern changed to a vertical monogram style. The brass bells were much simpler in style than the sterling silver bells and would not have required as much “finishing” time on the production line. The change in engraving patterns happened around SN 9000.

Around 1949, there were minor design changes made to F.A. Reynolds trumpets: while the overall design and bell engravings remained the same, the updated models can be distinguished by their lower profile valve buttons and flat bottom valve caps. Serial number 21000 marks the approximate change to the updated design. In conjunction with these changes (and with the introduction of the Contempora and Emperor models), the Reynolds trumpet began to be designated as the “Professional” model.

Of the different variants listed above, only [D] appears to have been retained, now known as model nos. 50 and 51, with brass and sterling silver bells, respectively.

Reynolds trumpets made c.1952 and later are marked "Made by Roth-Reynolds" instead of "F.A. Reynolds". In addition, the main bell engraving changed to a lengthwise script that simply says “Reynolds” and product catalogs  refer to them as “Professional” models. Serial number 30000 marks a general introductory point of these changes.

The model descriptions below are based on photos and other details. However, it must be said that variations in the materials used have been observed, similar to the A-D combinations described above. It's possible that Reynolds offered configuration options that weren't documented in the surviving product catalogs.

Reynolds continued to offer a sterling silver bell option throughout the 1950s and early '60s. The basic sterling silver bell (model 53) had an added "Sterling" word engraved below the new "Reynolds" script, while the deluxe sterling silver bell (models 51, 52) kept the fancy filigree and hand-burnished gold inlay that had distinguished those Silver Bell models over the previous decades. The latter do not appear to have added the "Sterling" engraving designation.

Model 50, brass bell, does not appear in the 1959 product catalog and may have been replaced by the introduction of the large-bore "Hi-Fi" model.