TromboneSerial Numbers & Models
Because of Mr. White's personal involvement and knowledge of acoustical principles and mechanical experience, he was able to perfect the trombone. From 1894 to 1908 each trombone slide was actually made by Mr. White.
Important facts to consider before you look up your serial number:
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."
Special Note: If your instrument says "The King" plus has a "lion head" by the serial numbers you have the earliest and oldest manufactured (by H. N. White) between 1894 and 1915.
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Special Note: Please keep in mind that model changes might not have been made to all trombones in the production line and may not be respective of the true age of your instrument. The following information is to be used as a guide to narrow down the year your instrument was produced.
Special Note: Gladiator was produced from 1940-1953.
Special Note: In 1928 Sterling Silver Bells were added to: Trumpets, Cornets, Trombones, and Saxophones. For more information on Silver Bells Click Here.
| Date | Serial Number |
| 1893-1915 |
1-50,000 |
| 1915-1925 | 50,000-78,000 |
| 1925-1930 | 78,001-126,000 |
| 1930-1935 | 126,001-161,000 |
| 1935-1940 | 161,001-220,000 |
| 1940-1945 | 220,001-275,000 |
| 1945-1950 | 275,001-305,000 |
| 1950-1955 | 305,001-340,000 |
| 1955-1960 | 340,001-370,000 |
| 1960-1965 | 370,001-406,500 |
| 1965-1970 | 406,501-457,600 |
The "New" Improved Proportion King trombones (Regular Model 1924)
The improved proportion of the bell puts the F in each octave in perfect tune with tuning device in the bell section.
The Conservatory Model Trombones (1924)
The Conservatory model has the tuning device built in the slide.
The King Bb Bass Trombone (1924)
The Bass trombone has a large bore and bell with convenient rotary valve change to the pitch of F.
The King Bb Valve Trombone (1924)
This model is widely used in beginners' and was often sold with a slide for later conversion.
Built in C to permit the reading of piano or vocal scores without transposition.
King Trombone with optional silver bell (1932)
Only available in bore sizes of artists, orchestra and symphony with or without sterling silver bell. The silver bell became an option around 1928-1930.
The King Liberty Model Trombone (1934)
The Liberty model was made for band and orchestra work and it entered production around 1930-1932.
The King Liberty Model Trombone No. 2-B (1940)
An up grade from the Liberty in both bore and proportion. Production started around 1938-1939
The King Liberty Model Trombone (1940)
Same as 2-B except that it does not have crystal silver slides.
The "Gardell Simons" Cello-Tone Trombone (1940)
The "Amati" of all trombones. Named after Gardell Simons, this trombone "..beautifully embodied the cello timbre."
The King 2-B Liberty "Silversonic" and the Valve "Silversonic" Trombones (1960)
In the mid to late 1950's "Silver Tone" was replaced by "Silversonic."
If you can provide more accurate Trombone information please contact me.
All the information on this page is compiled by guess work and should be used accordingly.
