Buescher Serial Number List
Years and Serial Numbers are Approximate.
Buescher Trumpet Serial numbers are most often found on the 2nd valve casing - OR if that is buffed off, check on one of the valves themselves! Pull out a valve and look on the section just below the button and stem. In MOST Buecher trumpets in the 1950s and earlier, you can find the serial number here as well.
Please see the Bell Logos section to see samples of each Bell Logo.
If your Buescher Trumpet/Cornet bares an engraving of an ELK on the bell, please see the note below the serial number chart.
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Buescher Serial Number List |
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| Serial Number | Year Manufactured | Logo Type |
|---|---|---|
Model Introduced: "True Tone" 1890-1932 |
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| 1 | 1888-1904 | |
1903 Fire in Elkhart plant destroys all prior records |
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| 5000 | 1905 | |
| 5620 | 1906 | |
| 6610 | 1907 | |
| 7808 | 1908 | |
| 8580 | 1909 | |
| 11250 | 1910 | |
| 13685 | 1911 | |
| 15870 | 1912 | |
| 18178 | 1913 | |
| 22860 | 1914 | |
"Union Label" Introduced |
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| 25103 | 1915 | |
| 28875 | 1916 | |
| 32350 | 1917 | |
| 37540 | 1918 | |
| 46975 | 1919 | |
| 61255 | 1920 | |
| 78525 | 1921 | |
| 99275 | 1922 | |
| 125750 | 1923 | |
| 150250 | 1924 | |
| 175275 | 1925 | |
| 202350 | 1926 | |
| 222175 | 1927 | |
| 235250 | 1928 | |
| 245250 | 1929 | |
| 255275 | 1930 | |
| 260125 | 1931 | |
Model Introduced: "Aristocrat" 1932-1963 |
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| 264025 | 1932 | |
| 265523 | 1933 | |
| 267356 | 1934 | |
| 268971 | 1935 | |
| 272896 | 1936 | |
| 279300 | 1937 | |
| 284418 | 1938 | |
| 288024 | 1939 | |
| 291336 | 1940 | |
Model Introduced: "The 400" 1937-1966 (?)- Serial Range 283xxx - 438xxx |
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| 294125 | 1941 | |
| 297527 | 1942 | |
War Years - Reduced Production |
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| 303000 | 1945 | |
| 312000 | 1948 | |
| 316000 | 1949 | |
| 326000/332000* | 1950 | |
| 337000 | 1951 | |
| 347000 | 1952 | |
| 350000 | 1955 | |
| 360000 | 1960 | |
| 381000 | 1963 | |
About this time Selmer Purchased Buescher |
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| 408000 | 1965 | |
| 520000 | 1970 | |
| 630000 | 1975 | |
| 785000 | 1980 | |
| 875000 | 1983 | |
| - | - | |
*1950 Serial number is different on various sites.. so I have listed BOTH numbers, I think the number MORE accurate would be 326000.
Please note that there are a FEW exceptions to this chart.
1)
Some of the modern Buescher labeled trumpets from the 1970-present that have serial numbers that do not correspond to this chart. Most seem to have the "Upsidedown Nike" Bell Logo and are model BU-7. Selmer must have done a serial number "reset" at some point.
2) I have also noticed some of the 1960s "Side Scroller" and possibly "Top Scroller" logoed trumpets/cornets that have serial numbers in the 100,000 range. These obviously are NOT subject to this serial number chart. These are most likely mid to late 1960s instruments.
3) Most (if not all) Buescher trumpets that have the "ELK" logo have a separate serial number listing. The Valve
Block on these instruments are made by Elkhart and thus have a completely different numbering system.
Any Trumpet or Cornet with the engraving of an ELK (see below) will NOT match up on the Buescher Serial number list. They also bear the inscription "BUILT BY BUESCHER". These instruments had their OWN serial numbering system. Most were made post World War II possibly up to 1960. If you see one of these horns and the owner is claiming they are from the 1920s or 1930s or before, then they are using the wrong serial number chart. I do not know if an Elkhart Serial number list exists or not.
Big Thanks to Dr Rick's Vinllage Flute and Sax Shop website for providing some of the serial numbers and years produced.
I also gathered information for this page from MusicTrader.com website that cites Albert Mensinga as the source for MANY of the serial numbers.
If you happen to have any additional information that would make this chart MORE accurate, please feel free to email me.
