Olds Ambassador Flute Serial Numbers
Flute and Sax Serial Numbers A compilation of serial numbers of the most popular manufacturers of the 20th cenntury. Olds Selmer SML. Everyone remembers F. Olds as the Number one craftsman of quality band instruments (be it brass, woodwind or strings) in America.
VINTAGE AMBASSADOR F.E. OLDS & SON TRUMPET, FULLERTON, CA, W/ ORIG. CASE, 1950'S
Engraved; made by FE & Son, Fullerton, Ca. It needs a through cleaning. It dates from the late 1950's. Therefore, only one of the pieces may be by Bach.11 bids$58.36 shippingEnding Tuesday at 3:00PM PDT1d 5hBrand: AmbassadorCustoms services and international tracking providedVintage Olds 'Ambassador' Cornet; 1967, Lacquer, Fullerton
The serial number, 614821, dates it to 1967. Overall, it is in nice, playing condition. The valves are quick and aligned with newer felts. The slides are all free and smooth. It doesn't appear to have had any major repairs in the past, but there is signs of joints being resoldered.Top Rated Plus$81.05 shippingBrand: AmbassadorFinish: LacqueredVintage Olds Ambassador Trombone in Original, Wooden Fitted Hardcase!
I find no dents or dings, but it does need a good polishing. The trombone has an original Olds #3 mouthpiece. I find no serial number to use to date the horn. We do not use canned photos.0 bids$85.79 shippingEnding Friday at 8:01PM PDT4d 10hTop Rated PlusBrand: AmbassadorFinish: LacqueredLos Angeles Olds Ambassador Student Cornet in Lacquer GOOD PLAYER
Here's a GREAT Olds Ambassador cornet. Ready to play!Brand: Ambassador$122.00 shippingFinish: LacqueredOLDS AMBASSADOR SINGLE FRENCH HORN WITH MOUTHPIECE & CASE
Olds & sons. condition: good pre-owned with many marks/scratches throughout from use.0 bids$68.85 shippingEnding Thursday at 6:42PM PDT3d 9hBrand: AmbassadorCustoms services and international tracking providedVintage Olds Ambassador Trombone - Los Angeles, California
Original Olds 3 mthpc is in fair condition (needs cleaning).Brand: Ambassador$90.00 shippingVintage Olds Ambassador Trombone Los Angles Great playing Condition
Made in Los Angles Calif. Slide is smooth & fast with no sticky spots. Has very good finish with just a few small worn spots Tuning slide is free. Serial number #25644. Very good Olds #3 mouthpiece and original case also in good condition.Brand: Ambassador$87.05 shippingNew ListingOlds Ambassador 3Valve Baritone Horn w/Detachable Bell **Ser#801446 Sounds Great
This baritone has a nice big round sound and plays very easily. It will make a very good student baritone horn. The Mouthpiece: No Mouthpiece is included, or other accessories but it will need a standard shank.0 bids$151.04 shippingEnding May 26 at 8:02PM PDT6d 10hBrand: AmbassadorCustoms services and international tracking providedNew Listing.Olds Ambassador Single F French Horn Ser#107768 Good Player Nice Sound
The Mouthpiece: No Mouthpiece is included, or other accessories. Engraving: Ambassador Made by F. E. Olds & Son Los-Angeles Calif. Lead Pipe Condition: Light general wear (possible light surface scratches and/or minor dents and dings) The mouthpiece receiver looks like it may have been just ever so slightly chipped and the lead pipe brace on the body may need a partial re-solder (see pics).0 bids$132.86 shippingEnding May 26 at 8:02PM PDT6d 10hBrand: AmbassadorCustoms services and international tracking providedNew ListingOlds Ambassador Single F French Horn Ser#780844 Nice Olds Sound**
The Mouthpiece: No Mouthpiece is included, or other accessories. Engraving: Ambassador Made By F.E. Olds & Son Fullerton Calif. (on bell). Outside Bell Bow Condition: Has a light dent in the outside bow with a small ding (See Pics).0 bids$132.86 shippingEnding May 26 at 8:33PM PDT6d 11hBrand: AmbassadorCustoms services and international tracking providedNew ListingVintage 1950s Olds Ambassador Trombone Ser#47453 Los Angeles Plays Great!.
From our research it looks like this is a 1950s Olds Ambassador. This is potentially the original lacquer as well. This trombone has a great sound and it plays very well. The Mouthpiece: No Mouthpiece is included, or other accessories.0 bids$110.63 shippingEnding May 26 at 8:55PM PDT6d 11hBrand: AmbassadorCustoms services and international tracking providedNew ListingVintage Olds Ambassador Trombone **Ser#138024 Good Player Vintage Counterweight
Re-soldered: Two or Three (See Pics) bell to body brace and counterweight mount. It plays very well and is in good condition with only a few dents. It has a big Olds sound to it. The Mouthpiece: No Mouthpiece is included, or other accessories.0 bids$110.94 shippingEnding May 26 at 8:09PM PDT6d 10hBrand: AmbassadorCustoms services and international tracking providedNew Listing*Olds Ambassador Single Bb French Horn Ser#102670 In Good Shape Plays Great!*
The Mouthpiece: No Mouthpiece is included, or other accessories. Engraving: Ambassador Made by F.E. Olds & Son Los-Angeles Calif. Re-soldered: Three or Four (See Pics) see pinkie hook and body braces.0 bids$133.40 shippingEnding May 26 at 7:43PM PDT6d 10hBrand: AmbassadorCustoms services and international tracking providedNew ListingOlds 3 Valve Ambassador Baritone Horn Ser#464582 Detachable Bell Needs Repair..
The Mouthpiece: No Mouthpiece is included, or other accessories but it will need a standard shank. Engraving: Ambassador Made By F.E. Olds & Son Fullerton Calif. There may be a slight break at the base of the mouthpiece receiver as well.0 bids$101.50 shippingEnding May 26 at 7:26PM PDT6d 10hBrand: AmbassadorCustoms services and international tracking providedNew ListingOlds Ambassador Single Bb French Horn Ser#449545 Plays Has a Light Buzz..
The Mouthpiece: No Mouthpiece is included, or other accessories. Engraving: Ambassador Made By F.E. Olds & Son Fullerton Calif. (on the bell). It seems that if I hold on to that part of the horn when I play the buzzing will go away.0 bids$133.47 shippingEnding May 26 at 7:35PM PDT6d 10hBrand: AmbassadorCustoms services and international tracking providedOLDS AMBASSADOR Bb TRUMPET (1967?) Refurbished w/Ori Mouthpiece, ProTec Case
OLDS AMBASSADOR Bb TRUMPET (Serial Number 582101, which should date it to late 1966 or 1967). Also included are a ProTec case and a non-descript mute as shown. OLDS AMBASSADOR Bb TRUMPET (1967?). Refurbished w/Ori Mouthpiece, ProTec Case.Brand: Ambassador$72.26 shippingColor: GoldFinish: LacqueredCustoms services and international tracking providedVINTAGE Olds Ambassador Student Trombone With Case FULLERTON CALIFORNIA Brass
Make/Model: Ambassador Brass Trombone.Brand: Ambassador$77.21 shippingFinish: LacqueredCustoms services and international tracking providedVintage Olds Ambassador Trombone W/ Case
Cool Olds trombone picked up at estate sale. Does have finish wear and a couple dings from use. With a little oil on the slide would sound great. Comes with Bundy Case.Brand: Ambassador$47.73 shippingCustoms services and international tracking providedOlds Ambassador Cornet serial # 373623 with hard case
I do not know if this is the original case.Brand: Ambassador$78.44 shippingCustoms services and international tracking providedOverhauled OLDS AMBASSADOR TRUMPET with ORIGINAL CASE (FULLERTON, CALIF.)
An area of swelling on the bell is pictured that was unable to be fixed. This is a very special Olds Ambassador trumpet. OLDS AMBASSADOR TRUMPET WITH ORIGINAL CASE (FULLERTON, CALIF.).Brand: Ambassador$62.36 shippingCustoms services and international tracking providedVINTAGE 1972-73 Olds Ambassador Trombone With Case,FULLERTON, CALIFORNIA
VINTAGE 1972-73 Olds Ambassador Trombone With Case,FULLERTON, CALIFORNIA. Condition is Used. Shipped with USPS Priority Mail.0 bids$89.85 shippingEnding Saturday at 6:45PM PDT5d 9hBrand: AmbassadorFinish: LacqueredCustoms services and international tracking providedOlds Ambassador Cornet - Fullerton CALIF.
Excellent cornet for the student player. These American made horns haven’t been built for a few decades, but they were made like tanks and really hold up! The tuning and sound quality is very good. Feel free to ask questions.Brand: Ambassador$33.15 shippingCustoms services and international tracking providedVINTAGE 1959 Olds Ambassador Student Trombone With Case,FULLERTON, CALIFORNIA
VINTAGE 1959 Olds Ambassador Student Trombone With Case,FULLERTON, CALIFORNIA. Condition is Used. Shipped with USPS Priority Mail.0 bids$68.22 shippingEnding May 26 at 9:04AM PDT5d 23hBrand: AmbassadorFinish: LacqueredCustoms services and international tracking providedOld trumpet AMBASSADOR Olds&Son Los Angeles California.
Trumpet is in working condition. There is a crack, and it is sealed (seen in the photo). Case of Soviet production, old.From Ukraine$45.00 shippingBrand: AmbassadorColor: GoldOlds Ambassador Cornet with Original Case SN 497653 good condition Fullerton era
Olds Ambassador Cornet with Original Case0 bids$82.10 shippingEnding Thursday at 8:29AM PDT2d 23hBrand: AmbassadorFinish: LacqueredCustoms services and international tracking provided1959 OLDS Ambassador Trombone Good Slide Action w/Case Ding Free Fullerton Calif
The horn is engraved with the Olds logo and marked 'Olds - Ambassador - Fullerton - Calif'. Note the spit valve located at the bend of the slide section shown in photo 4 to remove water - it is in fine working order.Brand: Ambassador$81.68 shippingCustoms services and international tracking providedOlds Ambassador Baritone- Bell Front
Used Olds Ambassador Baritone is ready to play. All slides and valves are smooth and clean. Minor dents visible on body but plays very well. A really good option for a student or a player wanting to learn baritone!Brand: Ambassador$148.05 shippingCustoms services and international tracking providedNew ListingVintage Olds Ambassador F Mellophone Ser#659398 Easy Player!..
The sound is bright and it pierces through well! The valves all work great and it plays very easily. The Mouthpiece: No Mouthpiece is included, or other accessories. Engraving: Ambassador Made-By F.E. Olds & Son Fullerton Calif. (on the bell).0 bids$133.32 shippingEnding May 26 at 7:59PM PDT6d 10hBrand: AmbassadorCustoms services and international tracking provided50s Vtg OLDS AMBASSADOR Fullerton CA CORNET #320117 +Bach 7C mouthpiece +Case
ALL VALVES AND SLIDES MOVE. THE NUMBER 1 PISTON STICKS A BIT, OTHERWISE, SEEMS TO BE OPERATIONAL. INCLUDES BACH 7C MOUTHPIECE.Brand: Ambassador$39.25 shippingCustoms services and international tracking providedNew ListingFE Olds & Sons Ambassador Baritone Euphonium Fullerton Calif
0 bids$115.99 shippingEnding May 26 at 9:53PM PDT6d 12hBrand: AmbassadorOlds Ambassador Trumbone FOR PARTS
Brand: Ambassador$87.27 shippingCustoms services and international tracking providedOLDS AMBASSADOR SINGLE FRENCH HORN FULLERTON CA serial # 560903
OLDS AMBASSADOR SINGLE FRENCH HORN FULLERTON CA serial # 560903. There are Dings, Dents, Heavy scratches and marks from previous Use.Also worn out finish, discolored and so. There are spots that will need to be resoldered. No mouth Piece . UNIT IS BEING SOLD FOR PARTS OR REPAIR AS IS WITHOUT WARRANTY WHATSOEVER, NO RETURN. Shipped with FedEx ground or FedEx Home DeliveryBrand: Ambassador$82.87 shippingColor: GoldFinish: Antique BrassCustoms services and international tracking providedVintage Olds Ambassador Cornet Fullerton Valves ONLY
You are buying a set of valves from a Olds Ambassador Fullerton cornet, pumped fine before removing, they do show plating wear.Brand: Ambassador$24.29 shippingCustoms services and international tracking providedVintage Olds Ambassador Cornet Fullerton #2 Slide ONLY
Brand: Ambassador$18.88 shippingCustoms services and international tracking providedolds ambassador trumpet Vintage Fullerton California 898116 with case
Condition is Used.1 bidEnding Saturday at 5:30PM PDT5d 8hBrand: Ambassadorolds ambassador trumpet
olds ambassador trumpet. Plays well. Sold as is.1 bidEnding Wednesday at 12:08PM PDT2d 2hBrand: AmbassadorAMBASSADOR CORNET / TRUMPET IN CASE #287249
VINTAGE OLDS AMBASSADOR CORONET IN CASE #287249. Condition is Used. In excellent overall condition, please see photos for full details0 bidsor Best OfferEnding May 28 at 9:11AM PDT7d 23hBrand: AmbassadorOlds Ambassador cornet SN 626446 soft case
Olds Ambassador cornet SN 626446 soft case. Condition is Used. Great, sturdy instrument. Good for a beginning student who's not as worried about how an instrument looks. All slides/pistons are well geased/ oiled and move smoothly. Mouthpiece included. The laquer is in rough shape but otherwise there are no large dents/creases to speak of. This horn has been cleaned in a chemical bath.Brand: Ambassadoror Best OfferOLDS AMBASSADOR TRUMPET WITH ORIGINAL CASE (FULLERTON, CALIF.)
OLDS AMBASSADOR TRUMPET WITH ORIGINAL CASE (FULLERTON, CALIF.). Condition is Used. Shipped with USPS Priority Mail.Brand: Ambassadoror Best OfferFinish: LacqueredVintage Olds Ambassator 1959 Trumpet Serial 497961 With Case
Olds Ambassator 1959 Trumpet Serial 497961 It’s Been Repaired In One Area. Condition is Used. Repaired in one area values are not oiled 3 damaged area. Mouth piece is stuck.0 bidsor Best OfferEnding Saturday at 8:18PM PDT5d 11hBrand: AmbassadorOLDS SILVER PLATED LA Ambassador Cornet
Serial #50,XXX. Don’t spend thousands on a cornet when you can have this! This beautiful LA Ambassador Cornet was silver platted because of its excellence. - The Moose's Horns.Brand: AmbassadorFinish: Silver Platedolds ambassator trumpet
See pictures to see condition of trumpet. know nothing about how it sounds, but it does play.Brand: Ambassadoror Best OfferVintage Ambassador 7 Trumpet Mouthpiece ~ Made in Czechoslovakia
Silver plate in good shape ~ needs cleaned and polished. Look at pics. I look things over and describe any flaws I see.Brand: AmbassadorColor: SilverFinish: Silver PlatedVintage OLDS Ambassador Trumpet
This trumpet features a brass finish with pearloid valve buttons. A silver-plated mouthpiece, marked number 3, is included. Model: Ambassador. Maker: Olds.Brand: AmbassadorFinish: Silver Plated
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- Vintage Olds 'Ambassador' Cornet; 1967, Lacquer, Fullerton+$81.05 shipping
- Los Angeles Olds Ambassador Student Cornet in Lacquer GOOD PLAYER+$122.00 shipping
- Vintage Olds Ambassador Trombone - Los Angeles, California+$90.00 shipping
- Olds Ambassador 3Valve Baritone Horn w/Detachable Bell **Ser#801446 Sounds Great+$151.04 shipping
- .Olds Ambassador Single F French Horn Ser#107768 Good Player Nice Sound+$132.86 shipping
- Olds Ambassador Single F French Horn Ser#780844 Nice Olds Sound**+$132.86 shipping
- Vintage 1950s Olds Ambassador Trombone Ser#47453 Los Angeles Plays Great!.+$110.63 shipping
- Vintage Olds Ambassador Trombone **Ser#138024 Good Player Vintage Counterweight+$110.94 shipping
- OLDS AMBASSADOR Bb TRUMPET (1967?) Refurbished w/Ori Mouthpiece, ProTec Case+$72.26 shipping
- VINTAGE Olds Ambassador Student Trombone With Case FULLERTON CALIFORNIA Brass+$77.21 shipping
- Overhauled OLDS AMBASSADOR TRUMPET with ORIGINAL CASE (FULLERTON, CALIF.)+$62.36 shipping
- VINTAGE 1972-73 Olds Ambassador Trombone With Case,FULLERTON, CALIFORNIA+$89.85 shipping
I figured I would write this guide after an unfortunate experience I had on Ebay purchasing an Olds Ambassador for my son due to a deceptive listing. St michael barbados zip code. Having previously done my research I am sharing it here so those in search of this wonderful instrument can hopefully avoid my unfortunate experience.
James Donaldson's Trumpet Gearhead web site at dallasmusic.org provides wonderful information about trumpets. He gives useful advise on purchasing trumpets, care, testing, what not to do etc..
One topic he covers is the Olds Ambassafor Trumpets, which were made for the student market. This is where I learned about these wonderful trumpets, including the other models made by F.E. Olds in the USA until the company went under in 1979.
Donaldson recommends the Olds Ambassador model as one of 'the best ever' that are still very available. There are plenty to find on Ebay. However, there is a certain caution as the horns for sale are not all the same. I have seen Ambassadors for sale that have been totally restored like new without knowing what their serial number is since it was removed during the polishing so it is unknown what year model you are getting sometimes. Unless of course the restorer does not buff out the serial number. Refinishing can vary from a brushed finish or a restoration as the horn was orignally sold or even unlaquered brass. Purchasing a restored horn, regardless of the type of restoration usually costs more and the buyer should still beware and ask the seller lots of questions before bidding or buying it now.
Another condition is original with rub spots in the lacquer. While the condition of the lacquer can vary from horn to horn depending on the care it was given by the prior owner or owners, having a horn with at least 70% of its lacquer can usually be a sure bet the horn is in good condition. I have seen horns from the early 50s with a lot of their lacquer and minimal wear or mininal dings.
Also consider that improvements to lacquering can affect a horn depending on the year model. For instance the Ambassadors manufactured in Los Angeles when found today often have a darker color probably due to the type of lacquer used. Often the Fullerton models retain their color better which may be due to a change in the lacquer used.
Climate can also affect lacquer on an instrument and how the instrument is stored. Humid climates can take their toll on brass instruments unlike dryer climates.
The next category of condition Olds Ambassadors have been up for auction on Ebay are those that have been the subject of self-help restoration or those that have been modified or sustained damage. While seller descriptions may not be thorough, buyer's should beware and look at the pictures carefully.
Such horns subject to self-help polishing reduce the value of such instrument and should be avoided unless the buyer is experienced in restoration and knows what they are doing. It is often easy to spot such self-help polished instruments as the brass is bright and shiny and not a mellow warm tone color of an instrument with most of its original lacquer. These self-help Ambassadors are often listed as estate finds with the seller knowing nothing about instruments.
Buyer care should also be taken with instruments that have damages. Carefully review the description and pictures for any damages. Dings and minor dents don't usually detract from an instruments playability. What should be the upmost concern for Buyers is whether any of the tubing is bent. I encounterd such a problem with an Ambassador in which the Seller neglected to describe that a main tube was not only compressed it was bent and this was not visible in the photos.
While an instrument with a bent tube may play, it may not play up its top quality. Also repairing such an instrument can be costly as the tubing usually needs to be replaced when it is damaged beyond a simple ding. Hence Buyers should ask if any of the tubing is bent or out of the original alignment or if there appears to be repairs to the bracing or if any parts have been rewelded.
Look Up Flute Serial Numbers
While may prize the Los Angeles Ambassadors, the early Fullerton ones are also gems. The early Fullertons have the same bracing as the Los Angeles ones as it was later on that Olds changed the bracing, mouthpiece receiver and the pinky ring to a finger hook, which may have been around 1958. Also the engraving from the early models changed and this is evident comparing the 50s models to the 70s models. The earlier engraving is much more elaborate.
Serial numbers are another important factor to consider to date a horn. It is fairly easy to date the Los Angeles models that have 'Los Angeles' engraved on the bell, as those were made until Olds moved to Fullerton around 1954. After the move the Ambassador trumpets had engraved Fullerton on the bell. The Ambassadors manufatured in Fullerton had a much longer run. Musictrader.com on their Olds page lists Olds serial numbers from March 1952 at 73000 (anything earlier would be before that date) to number 999999 in September 1977.
The serial numbers are also carried on each of the 3 valves and this is another consideration a Buyer should query a seller. If a valve has been replaced it will not carry the same serial number or may not have one at all. Seller's should disclose this information in their listing as it is easy to determine by removing the valves from the horn.
Several other details that Buyers should beware are whether any of the slides are stuck, whether the valve covers are stuck in place or the threads stripped, the water keys are in working order or missing, any parts are missing. Purchasing an instrument with these problems can be quite costly to repair or find replacement parts for and may not be worth the investment.
As James Donaldson stated in his wonderful guide 'these are great playing horns, often better than other companies' allegedly professional models, built to withstand all the rigors of the school band room, marching field, and street. They were built to be played at Armegedon.'
Donaldson points out that these vintage Ambassadors 'are not the prettiest things around' and considering Olds stopped production in 1979 such horns are at least over 30 years old and goes on to state that those 'worn and in need of some repair . . . I wouldn't bother with . . . unless you know pretty much what you are doing.'
As Donaldson said '[l]ook at the more expensive ones--they are essentially ready to go . . .' although 'they may have some splotchy lacquer.'
And just that, an Olds Ambassador with some cosmetic wear, minimal dings or none at all, aligned tubes and some splotchy lacquer, with a little TLC, can make some nice music.