Serial Number Discrepancy

[blackfrancis]

I've found an interesting problem. Serial number charts indicate my horn was built in 1912.(They all look like they're quoting the same source.) My bell says "Frank Holton Elkhorn Wisconsin". Reliable information has it that Holton moved to Elkhorn in 1918. Does anybody know if the serial number charts are accurate and how do we account for the bell engraving that, if made in 1912, should read Chicago?

[Bernards20040]

Interesting
Mine has frank Holton Elkhorn WIS on the bell too and the serial number from the charts says it was made in 1909 :?

[bruce bailey]

I have never found an acurate Holton list. I have a Holton Alto that is a Martin stencil that would be from 1917 acording to most lists but it has the tone hole style that Martin started using in 1923 and the G# lever that Lyon & Healy (another Martin stencil) started in around 1927. Bottom line, compare some features to determine the year like front F, etc. Remember that opposing bell keys disappeared around the early 30s. Also the Rudy Wiedolft models have LH bell keys and most numbers fall in the teens from lists I have seen.

[Farina_man]

I have 2 Weidoeft altos which date to 1916/1917 on all the lists I have seen. My Holton Tenor dates to 1912 and my baritone to 1915. However, I recently got an original Holton brochure which describes the "New" Rudy Weidoeft Holtons in detail (extra keys and all!) and quite clearly dates them to the late 1920's - which goes with the LH bell keys, too. A bit mysterious.
Incidentally, all my Holtons are inscribed "Elkhorn, Wis." although (supposedly) dating to before 1918.
As to the way they play - I reckon the ordinary Holtons play better than the RW which has a very slow/clumsy G#. My tenor, although not in brilliant cosmetic condition, plays well in tune with a warm vintage sound. The angle of the crook is uncomfortable, though. Another good point about Holtons is that they very often have a front high F key.

[bruce bailey]

My conclusion is that the numbers are mostly for brass and the woodwinds vary. The Martin/Holton stencils seem to follow the Martin numbers however.