H. N. White Serial numbers
The development of a serial number list has been very difficult because of the lack of official records. Mr. H. N. White kept very detailed records but when the company was sold to the Seeburg Corporation all official records were destroyed. When looking up the age of your instrument, complete the following steps: (1.) Find your instruments catalog page and year that the catalog was made. Pay special attention to the small details on your instrument because most artists drawings account for unique changes and features. (2.) Compare your findings to the serial number list. Please keep in mind that most catalogs were dated on the back and should be trusted more than the serial number list.
Early instruments will have a "lion head" by the serial numbers and are engraved "The King".
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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."
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In 1926-1928 H. N. White introduced Sterling Silver bells to his instruments.
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In 1948-1950 "Silver Tone" engraving was changed to read "Silversonic".
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After 1966, all instruments were manufactured in Eastlake and engraved with "King Musical Instruments."