Pan American Small bore jazz trombone Likely 1917 - Silver plate brass, gold washed bell

Early Pan American Silver-Plated Jazz Trombone, Serial #1883, Gold-Wash Bell

Very early Pan American tenor trombone from Elkhart, Indiana, serial number 1883, believed to date to approximately 1917, the first year of Pan American production there. Early Pan American serial records are incomplete, so the date is approximate.

This unusually well-preserved example features a silver-plated finish, original gold-wash bell interior, and elaborate early Pan American engraving. It remains a functional, playable instrument: the main slide moves freely and smoothly with very good compression, the tuning slide moves freely, and the bell and tubing are remarkably straight, with no major damage evident.

The silver has substantial natural age tarnish. Much of the original plating appears to remain and should polish well if desired. It has been left largely as found, without aggressive polishing or refinishing.

A vintage M-22 small-shank trombone mouthpiece is included. It is believed to be a later King-type M-22 and is not believed to be original to the trombone; no claim is made that it accompanied the instrument when new.

Details:

● Pan American, Elkhart, Indiana

● Serial number 1883

● Approximately 1917 / very early production

● Silver-plated finish

● Original gold-wash bell interior

● Ornately engraved bell

● Free-moving main slide with very good compression

● Free-moving tuning slide

● Vintage M-22 small-shank mouthpiece included

● Original unrestored appearance with age-appropriate tarnish and wear

An attractive early Pan American jazz trombone suitable for collectors of American brass instruments and a remarkably functional survivor more than a century old. Please review the photographs carefully for cosmetic condition. Additional close-up photographs or measurements are available upon request.