The earliest Trumpets are stamped "HN White Sole Agent" and were imported to Cleveland around 1893-1907. From The H. N. White's Company's earliest days (1905-1910), they made the finest trumpets on the market and led the way in innovation and quality. Early trumpets will have a "lion head" by the serial numbers. Most models were designed by H. N. White, including the Liberty Models which was his favorite instruments made by the company. He liked the Liberty trumpet so much that H. N. White modeled his famous "mini trumpet" after it. In 1918 the company was incorporated and "Co" was added to the engraving of all instruments, before 1918 the engraving read simply as "H. N. White." The list of H. N. White trumpet players is like a who is who of the music world including such greats as: Donald Byrd, Ziggy Elman, Charlie Shavers, and Harry James. The H. N. White Company made the following brands: King, American Standard, Cleveland, and Gladiator (which was produced from 1940-1953) trumpets. In 1926-1928 H. N. White introduced Sterling Silver bells to his Trumpets, which produces better tone, being clearer, richer, with a more pleasing quality. Not to mention some of the best looking bells ever produced in the music industry. Even today H. N. White "King" trumpets are still played in bands all over the country. The H. N. White Company made all of its own trumpets and did not stencil any for other companies (that I know of).

This page is designed to show the first known year of production (based on my catalogs) and any changes that are made over the production cycle of the instruments including model numbers and any unique specifications. In the production years of 1893-1910 it is important to consider that production of trumpets and cornets stated slowly and that the serial number list may not be 100% accurate, and that the company did not have "considerable" production until 1905.

Please note all the "www.hnwhite.com" watermarks on the catalog pages, sellers from www.ebay.com have used information inaccurately and without permission from this website and it is essential that buyers know the source of information. Sellers may use watermarked catalog pages, please do not edit out the website address. This website strives to provide the best information possible.

King serial numbers are difficult to track due to the different variations of product changes and the lack of official records. All of the serial numbers listed on this page end when The H. N. White Company was sold in 1965. After 1965, all instruments were manufactured in Eastlake and engraved with "King Musical Instruments."

Serial Numbers

 

1920 Liberty Model Trumpet

1920 Catalog Page 3

Only at www.hnwhite.com!

Specifications:

Length: 19.5 Inches

Bell Diameter: 4.5 Inches

Weight: 38 oz.

with Mouthpiece

Model Numbers:

No. 15 Brass highly polished.

No. 17 Triple Silver plated, satin finish, barnished points, and gold lined bell.

No. 18 Triple Silver plated, satin finish, gold bell and trimmings.

No. 20 Quadruple gold plate, satin finish, barnished points

Specifications:

Bell Diameter: 4.5 Inches

Length: 19 Inches

Weight: 36 oz.

Model Numbers:

#1050..."Surpasses All in Tone, Intonation, Mechanical Perfection and Beauty!"

Note: Early Liberty trumpets were only built in one bore size.

Note: Six finish options available.

Specifications: Medium

Bell Diameter: 4.5 Inches

Length: 19.75 Inches

Weight: 36 oz.

Model Numbers:

#1050 (#2)..."Surpasses All in Tone, Intonation, Mechanical Perfection and Beauty!"

Note: Eight finish options available.

With the start of the #2 there was only one bore size for all Liberty trumpets.

Specifications: Medium

Bell Diameter: 4.5 Inches

Length: 19.75 Inches

Weight: 36 oz.

Model Numbers:

#1045..."Surpasses All in Tone, Intonation, Mechanical Perfection and Beauty!"

Note: Six finish options available.

There was only one bore size for Balanced Liberty trumpets.

Specifications: Medium

Bore: .448

Bell Diameter: 4.3 Inches

Length: 19.75 Inches

Weight: 2 Ibs and 5 oz.

Model Numbers:

#1045..."Surpasses All in Tone, Intonation, Mechanical Perfection and Beauty!"

#1045S...Identical to #1045 except with tone-tempered brass bell

The Liberty Trumpet first shows up in the 1920 King catalog. The 1963 King Liberty Model Trumpets remained unchanged until the company was sold in 1965.

Specifications:

2-B

Bore: .458

3-B

Bore: .468

 

Model Numbers:

2-B #1051..."A most striking model with eye appeal that immediately attracts attention."

3-B #1052?...Identical to #1051 but with larger bore size.

Note: Two finish options available. The 3-B was only in production for a few months, and I have yet to see one...ever.

Specifications:

2-B

Bore: .458

Model Numbers:

2-B #1051..."A most striking model with eye appeal that immediately attracts attention." Available with Silver Bell.

Note: Two finish options available.

Specifications:

2-B

Bore: .458

No Silver Bell Option

Model Numbers:

2-B #1052..."A most striking model with eye appeal that immediately attracts attention."

Note: Only one finish option available.

Specifications:

Bore: .458

Bell Diameter: 4.75 Inches

Weight: 2 Ibs and 5 oz.

Model Numbers:

2-B #1052..."Exceptionally big sound."

Note: Only one finish option available.

The King Liberty Model 2-B Trumpets remained unchanged until the company was sold in 1965.

Specifications:

Bell Diameter: 4.5 Inches

Length: 18 Inches

Weight: 36 oz.

Model Numbers: #900...Brass highly polished.

#901...Silver plated, satin finish, burnished points, and gold lined bell.

#902...Silver plated, satin finish, gold bell and trimmings.

#903...Quadruple gold plate, satin finish, barnished points

This Trumpet can play in high and low pitch with tuning slides

Specifications:

Bell Diameter: 4.6 Inches

Length: 18.3 Inches

Weight: 38 oz.

Model Numbers:

#1055..."All around Trumpet."

Note: Six finish options available.

Specifications:

Bore: .458

Bell Diameter: 4.6 Inches

Length: 18.3 Inches

Weight: 38 oz.

Model Numbers:

#1055..."All around Trumpet."

Note: Eight finish options available.

Production of the King Vocal Trumpet ended with the start of WWII and never resumed. Sterling Silver Bells were never an option on the Vocal Trumpet. To see an example of a Vocal Trumpet as it would look in 1926 click here.

Specifications:

Bell Diameter: 4.5 Inches

Length: 52 Inches

Weight: 38 oz.

 

Model Numbers:

#1075..."Very effective for vaudeville!"

Note: Six finish options available.

Specifications:

Bell Diameter: 4.5 Inches

Length: 52 Inches

Weight: 38 oz.

 

Model Numbers:

#1075..."Very effective for vaudeville!"

Note: Six finish options available.

Specifications:

Bore: .448

Length: 39.5 Inches

Model Numbers:

#1075..."The Triumphal it back (in the catalog)."

Note: Only one finish option available.

The King Triumphal Trumpets were not shown in any catalog from 1941-1953 but in my opinion one could have been special ordered form the company during that time. After 1953 the Triumphal Trumpet remained unchanged until the company was sold in 1965.

Specifications: Medium

Bore: .448

Model Numbers:

#1047M...Medium Bore .448.

#1047L...Large Bore .458.

Note: Two finish options available.

Specifications: Medium

Bore: .448

Model Numbers:

#1047...Medium Bore .448. #1048...Large Bore .458.

#1049...Dual Bore Symphony Model.

#1049S...Dual Bore Symphony Model, available with Silver Bell.

Note: Two finish options available. In 1958 a trigger becomes available

Specifications: Medium

Bore: .448

Bell Diameter: 4.75 Inches

Weight: 2 Ibs and 6oz.

Model Numbers:

#1047...Medium Bore .448. #1048...Large Bore .458.

#1049...Dual Bore Symphony Model.

#1049S...Dual Bore Symphony Model, available with Silver Bell.

Note: Two finish options available. In 1958 a trigger becomes available

The Super 20 trumpets were manufactured in four types. Bore sizes ranged from 0.448" in S1 (Model 1047), to 0.458" in S2 (Model 1048), and the Symphony Super 20 in (DB) dual bore 0.458" / 0.468". Very early production Super 20 Trumpets had a one piece bell. The King Super 20 Trumpets remained unchanged until the company was sold in 1965.

Attention www.ebay.com sellers: you may now use the watermarked catalog pictures in your auctions. Please provide a link to this website.