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Keefer Bb Trumpet |
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Keefer Band Instrument Company Length = 19.25" It's been said that Keefer stopped production during WWII due to a stopped supply of the French brass that they used. James Keefer mentioned that a few were made soon after the war and that Arthur Magliocco was still working there in the 1950s and could make anything. This trumpet may be one of them as it has one of the highest serial numbers known. It also has a number of unusual features which leads me to believe this was custom ordered. It also has a very rare full-size case with a Keefer tag that I have only found one other time. This trumpet appears to be an unrestored original that's never been damaged beyond a few dings. Enjoy the veiws! Six-sided water keys not used on any other known Keefer instrument. Custom pull knob with six-sided base. Rare Bb/A stop rod found only on a few other trumpets. Even the third slide stop rod has six-sided bases. Unique finger buttons and valve caps not found on another Keefer. Small brace or protector on top of the third slide branch. Keefer valve casings are always round except for these with octagon shapes. Original case looks like a product from the 1940s. The neat Art Deco case tag. Similar bell engraving on Intonatic model with #20002. Perhaps made at the same time? This is very crude work compared to what was done in the 1920s. #30097
Here are a few shots after cleaning and polishing. A really great player! I found one other photo of a Keefer trumpet with the same unusual pull knobs. I don't know the serial number for this one but it definitely is from the same period. This one has an adjustable top third slide ring.
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