May send this to auction $400start OBO *550BIN* It’s not just a trombone—it’s a time machine back to swinging 1951, complete with that unmistakable vintage case that looks like it fought a few battles and came out victorious. Fully equipped for bold brassy tunes, this gem keeps rocking while showing off a patina of experience.
Vintage 1951 F.E. Olds & Son "Special" Tenor Trombone - hallmark from their historic Los Angeles, California (Serial 54403) - Very Good Slide
Olds "Spit Cup" shroud
Original Lifton Hard Case: Vintage 1950s classic built specifically for Olds. All latches work great, providing beautiful retro look and secure protection.
Original Olds Stamped Lyre: A rare piece of original "case candy"—the vintage clip-on marching sheet music holder stamped with the factory mark.
Olds 3 Mouthpiece: Highly sought-after, period-correct small-shank mouthpiece that pairs beautifully with this receiver.
This is a first-generation version of the Special model, featuring the gorgeous monochromatic all-yellow-brass bell section rather than the later multi-alloy variants. The horn offers incredible commercial punch, a bright and immediate response, and excellent projection—hallmarks of early post-WWII Olds engineering.
Condition Highlights: The Handslide (Very Good): The absolute highlight of this horn. The slide easily and flawlessly passes the gravity test in all positions. The tubes are completely straight, parallel, and free of alignment hang-ups or catching.
Body & Finish: The original vintage golden lacquer is exceptionally well-preserved across 90 percent of the instrument with zero flaking. No significant dents anywhere on the horn.
Aesthetics & Features: Features the stunning, hand-shaded geometric chevron bell engravings unique to the LA factory era. It also retains the iconic solid nickel-silver "spit cup" shroud over the water key assembly.
I'm not an expert but this should be a phenomenal, gig-ready instrument for jazz players, big band musicians, or vintage brass collectors looking for a legendary LA-era Olds that should play like an absolute dream.
Bore: Small-to-medium dual bore (.485" / .500") for maximum agility and response.
Bell: 7.5-inch classic yellow brass bell flare featuring the iconic vertical geometric chevron engraving block.
• Theme: Musical Instrument
• Item Type: Trombone
• F.E. Olds & Son Los Angeles, California
• Material: Brass
• Case Size: 36 Inches
• Weight: Total 9.1 lbs Case Trombone and parts.
• Features: Vintage, Includes Lifton USA Made Case
• Country of Manufacture: USA
• Serial: 54403 matching on both parts.
Cosmetics: There are a few isolated, minor vintage cosmetic red rot spots on the back of the bell and near the rim. Some scuffs and scratches on the case and minor on trombone, minor signs of wear from use.
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Will ship same or next business day once payment is received.
All non media items: please see photos (as that is part of the condition).
MEASUREMENTS, unless critical clothing measurements; all our measurements outside of clothing category are visual guesses. We normally do not measure Hard Goods accurately unless asked to do so.
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