mssessy01

hi can anybody help me i dont know anything about trumpets and i have just been given a hawkes and son the clippertone denman street piccadilly circus london trumpet there is a floral pattern around the words and a bird (i presume a hawk) holding what appears to be the world there is also a code 62224 and 31 32 33 on the valves also there is a star and a 7 on the bottom of 1 of the valves if anybody can fill me in on this instument i would be very happy thanks

Cornet1

Lucky you!.....If your 'Clipper' is in good condition then you have a very nice vintage trumpet of high quality......

The 'Clippertone' was made from the mid 1920's and continued in production after the amalgamation of Hawkes with Boosey Co in 1934 up to WWII. It was a high quality instrument for it's time and used around the world in orchestras and premier dance bands etc. Like the better trumpets of it's era, the 'Clippertone' has a tap for quick change from Bb to A. There should also be alternative valve slides in the 'suit case' style carrying case. The early specimens are heavily engraved with flower motifs and those of the late 30's, while the same instrument, have stylish 'art deco' engraving. In good condition it's and excellent playing trumpet with good intonation and a 'vintage' sound. Hitherto, these trumpets have had a modest value but there are signs that ones in good condition are rising towards their true value.

mssessy01

Thank you very much for the infomation very helpfull i am considering selling it because it was given to me for my daughter but id like it to go to a more deserving home and to someone who will look after it . any idea where the best place to do this is
thanks again
mssessy

Cotton

eBay and/or the classifieds here.

Cornet1

Ideally, it would be best to keep it for a couple of years as there has been a tendency for these instruments to rise in value recently,...at least in the case of ones in good condition.

For such an instrument as this I would NOT have thought ebay was a good option as most users are bargain hunters who often don't know what they are buying but just want a low price.

It has to be said that the vast majority of brass players no longer know about the Clippers and in places like the US are not going to be too interested which is probably why they fetch such modest prices.......I agree it should go to someone who will value it as these instruments will not come again.

some questions;...where are you?....what condition is it in?......does it have the original case?....are there the alternative slides in the case?....What sort of price were you hoping to realise?

There were also 'Clippertone' cornets,...are you sure this is a trumpet?....should be about 20 inches long and the cornets were about 13 inches overall.

mssessy01

thanks for being so helpfull.i have measured it and its about 19.5 inches so i presume that means its a trumpet i have got other pieces but im not sure if they go with this instrument as i was also given a c.g conn cornet and they where in the conn box.with regards to the box it is abit like an old suitcase and its abit tatty and it looks pretty old but there is no name on it and the locks a really rusty,the instrument itself appears to be fine the valves are ok and they move freely when pressed only problem i can see is a little dent at the back.i am in the uk (north wales) i have know idea what its worth so if you have any idea please feel free to fill me in i am open to any reasonable offers.

Cornet1

Can you post some photos?...or, if I send you a private message could you email some pix to me? I might be able to help you sort out what goes with what and the condition is everything on this type of instrument really.