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1919 C.G. Conn Tenor Trombone – Pre-4H “Artist” Model – Silver Plated – Elkhart, Indiana

Serial Number: 160649 Markings: H S P (High Pitch · Silver Plate · Plain Bell) Finish: Original Silver Plate Bell Diameter: 7 inches Bore: Approx. 0.44 inches (narrow/small bore) Made in: Elkhart, Indiana, USA Year: 1919 (verified from Conn serial chart)

This is an early C.G. Conn small-bore tenor trombone from the golden era of Conn craftsmanship—hand-engraved in Elkhart around 1919, before Conn began stamping formal model numbers. It’s the direct predecessor to the Conn 4H “Artist”, known for its bright, focused tone and remarkable slide action.

The horn features Conn’s distinctive flat “coin” bell-brace ends, a hallmark of pre-1922 manufacture. The H S P stamp identifies it as High Pitch, Silver-Plated, and with a Plain Bell.

This instrument has been lovingly cared for. It’s all original as far as known (my father played it in high school pre-1950) and was recently play-tested—slide and tuning slide move freely, tone is rich and clear, and it still plays beautifully.

Original silver plating with even patina and some normal wear from age A few small, shallow dents but no major damage or repairs

Original case included (good vintage condition)

Two original Conn mouthpieces included

Recently cleaned and play-tested—slide is smooth and responsive

Overall, this is a good-to-very-good vintage player and a highly collectible early Conn for display, recording, or light performance use.

Conn serial #160649 dates production to 1919. These early small-bore Artist-type trombones were hand-fit, hand-engraved, and used by top dance-band and theater players of the 1920s. Few survive in this condition.

The flat-disc brace ends and narrow 7-inch bell are unique to Conn’s pre-model-number production and seldom appear after 1922.

Ships insured and well-packed. Vintage item sold as-is, no returns unless damaged in shipping.