[TPIN] Old American trumpet

[Mark Deaton]

I have an old American B-flat trumpet that I'm trying to learn more about
and thought I'd run it by the folks on TPIN.  It's a funky looking little
pee shooter that is very similar to the one shown in this picture:

http://auctions.yahoo.com/i:TRUMPET%20PAM%20AMERICAN%201941%20CONN%20HORNS:9
7024937

It has the third valve slide on the right hand side of the valve casing,
just as shown in the above picture, but it's not a "PAN American."  The bell
just says "AMERICAN ELKHART-IND USA."  The diameter of the bell is tiny,
just barely over 4 inches, and the serial number is 015640.  Does anybody
know anything about this horn?  I want to sell it, but don't know if it's
even worth the cost of shipping it somewhere.  The finish is in terrible
shape (it looks like it's been in a fire), and it's in an old case with a
metal manufacturer's tag affixed on the outside that identifies it as a
Besson, but I can't find any reference to this horn being associated with
Besson at all.  The thing is, the case fits the horn like it was
specifically designed to do so, which leaves me puzzled.

Any input would be appreciated.  I was thinking of turning this into a lamp,
too.  It's an odd looking little bugger.

Thanks in advance.

Mark

Mark Deaton
mdeaton at ix.netcom.com
843-810-5650 (cell)
866-266-0421 (fax)