Trying to find what kind of Conn horn I have

[KelanG]

I have a Conn horn I have had for about a year and 3 months now. I know the horn is a Conn, however I am unsure of the model as it is modified and has an interesting lacquer that was messed up. the F attachment has a pretty cool coin as well, a quarter from 1843. I am unsure of how to post photos or I would to be able to show the horn in more detail. all I know is that it is old, still in great condition but at least 10-15 years old.

[hyperbolica]

An "old" trombone could be over 100 years old. They aren't really considered "old" until they are maybe 30 years old. The average age of my trombones is probably 70 years. The only trombone I know of with a coin or a medalion are Holtons.

A few pictures would really help. Here's how to do that viewtopic.php?t=107
But I think you're going to have to have 3 posts approved by the mods for the board to let you post pix. So just add more details in a couple of additional posts.

[KelanG]

Thank you for letting me know. the only thing I can compare it to is a Conn 88h. it looks decently similar, especially the F attachment. I am decently sure the coin is custom.

[hyperbolica]

The 88h model started in the mid 1950s. They all had the standard valve and wrap until maybe the 90s, but after that have been multiple valves and wraps.

[Briande]

The Conn Loyalist website might be helpful. It has pictures of all their models: https://cderksen.home.xs4all.nl/ConnTrombone.html

[KelanG]

The only thing that makes it difficult for it to identify Is the lacquer, as it is very clouded. all I can really make out is the Conn logo

[BGuttman]

If it looks "sorta" like an 88H, it probably has a model number right near the serial number which is near where the bell attaches to the slide. No matter how occluded the lacquer is you should be able to read this (especially if you can read the Conn engraving).

There are a number of Conn models with F-attachment wraps similar to the 88H, including the 52H, 70H, and 79H.

Other clues might be whether the tuning slide is in the bell section or on the slide; and what size mouthpiece shank fits.

Occluded lacquer could be the result of a steam treatment or an unsuccessful attempt to strip.

You now have enough posts that you can post some pictures.

[KelanG]

20240906_164303.jpg

I couldn't get a great lighting on the bell, however I think I could make out
MR88
I_
CSA
that's all I could really make out. sorry it is really hard to read. the only reason I could read the Conn logo was its size. Only number I'm 100% certian on are the MR and CSA. I'm not sure on the middle line at all

[atopper333]

Thinking that might be an Abilene Conn 88. Does it look something like this?

[KelanG]

That is exactly what the bell looks like! thank you! I really love the horn, but having been leaning more towards playing bass trombone and possibly selling that horn. still unsure but definitely wanted to see what kind it was.

[atopper333]

Not a problem at all, happy to help. Mine was from the early to mid 70s. It was a beautiful horn and played quite well. If I remember correctly, the engraving spelled out Made In USA…

[KelanG]

I think it might say that, it's really hard to read! awesome horn, love the sound but I hardly find myself playing it anymore, and would get more of a use out of one. honestly might not sell it for the memories I have with it, as it was the bone I used for my first solo/feature. honestly could go either way. thank you for all your help!