[CanuckSaxMan]

Hey all!

A while ago (as in last fall!) I picked up a piccolo on Kijiji for $80. The condition was great though I am going to get new pads and corks on it since it's in need of it. However I am trying to date it. It seems that Olds imported some woodwinds but I haven't been able to find out when this model was produced, or where. Just above the finger rest and below where the head joint is, it's engraved as such:

Special
F.E Olds & Son

At the end of the body the serial number is stamped in 39239, and the head joint has the numbers 239 stamped in it that can be seen even when it's inserted into the piccolo. I assume that the 239 number is the batch or how many had been made in the series previously. There's no other discernible markings on the piccolo that would make it stand out. It sounds good but has some hole leaks from old pads or needing a level. Any information would be wonderful.

Cheers

 

[bruce bailey]

If it a an older cylindrical piccolo, it probably was made for them by Artley judging from the last 3 digits of the serial on the head. If it is newer and conical, a Gemeinhardt for sure. The older ones were not too great but the newer ones are really good. A photo of the name area will tell. Olds did not make piccolos themselves.

 

[CanuckSaxMan]

If it a an older cylindrical piccolo, it probably was made for them by Artley judging from the last 3 digits of the serial on the head. If it is newer and conical, a Gemeinhardt for sure. The older ones were not too great but the newer ones are really good. A photo of the name area will tell. Olds did not make piccolos themselves.

Here's an album link with a few pictures

http://imgur.com/eiO7i5O

It looks like the interior is cylindrical, not conical.

 

[bruce bailey]

Yep, an oldie. If it plays well, $80 is OK. These are only marginal piccolos so a repad costs more than the value. Good starter pic however.