Rare left-handed King Silver Flair Bb trumpet
This is a US made, silver plated Bb trumpet. It comes with the original leather case. The serial number is 432392 which indicates that it was made by H.N. White in Cleveland Ohio about 1965-1970. The original mouthpiece is not included. The trumpet has surface scratches and silver tarnish. The valves are in great condition with no "red rot". What makes this horn very unique is the left handed configuration. It is a mirror design allowing for the left handed player to grip the horn properly. I was told that because it is an unusual custom job that it was made by one of the factories most skilled makers.
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Hi Matthew,
Thank you for contacting Mearto with your appraisal inquiry.
HN White’s King trumpet is a cornerstone of American brass history. Founded in Cleveland in 1893, HN White produced King trumpets renowned for powerful projection, quick response, and rugged construction, making them favorites of jazz, big-band, and early orchestral players. Key professional models include the King Liberty (1920s) and later Master Model and Silver Flair lines. Early Kings were often hand-built, serial-numbered, and silver-plated, with distinctive engraving. King trumpets helped define the bright, commanding American trumpet sound of the early 20th century and remain highly respected by players and collectors alike.
While the B-flat model wasn't radically different, structurally, from other models, what did distinguish them was how they played.
King B-flats were known for a broader bore feel, freer blow, and a brighter, more projecting sound, which made them especially attractive to jazz and commercial players.
I don't know how many left-handed trumpets were made so can't confirm the rarity but the explanation that they were custom instruments would be logical. If that's the case, this would be worth 3-4 times the value of a mass-produced model. This multiplier translates to a current fair-market valuation - for auction purposes - of between $1,500 and $2,000 if in good and largely all-original condition. It's worth noting that private sellers or retailers would likely price this horn higher.
Based on the photos and information provided, and subject to examination, this is:
A vintage HN White customized silverplated King B-flat trumpet
serial number 432392, late 1960s
custom-configured for a left-hand player
(DIMENSIONS)
CONDITION: This trumpet appears to be in good condition and is largely all original.
PROVENANCE: unknown
$1,500-2,000*
*represents a fair-market value for auction purposes; retail or asking price may vary.
Please let us know if you have additional items to appraise, or questions/concerns, and thank you again for using Mearto.
~ Delia
