Emperor

"Particularly designed for junior high, high school and university musicians, Emperor models are available at a price within reach of all. Outstanding tonal qualities, trimmed in nickel silver at all points of wear, an Emperor will serve the players' needs for many years. Made in brass, lacquer finish." (1959 catalog)

The Emperor trumpet, cornet and trombone models were marketed to students and community band musicians, and were intermediate "step up" horns from the basic Roth and Medalist models. According to the trademark application filed with the U.S. Patent Office, the model name "Emperor" was first used on November 1, 1947; registered in 1952, the trademark registration was renewed once in 1972 before being allowed to expire by the current owners.

Deluxe versions of Emperor cornets, trumpets and tenor trombones featured a two-piece brass and nickel-silver bell. The nickel-silver bell flare remained a design element of these Emperor models until the early 1970s when models produced at the Olds plant in Fullerton had a nickel plate finish over the entire instrument and were similar, if not identical, to the Olds "Special" line of instruments.

Under CMI management in the mid/late 1960s, Reynolds expanded the Emperor brand to include horns and baritones as part of an progressive merger with F.E. Olds. Olds Ambassador French Horns produced at the Olds plant in Fullerton were rebranded as Reynolds Emperor horns, while Emperor and Ambassador baritones came off the same production lines at the Reynolds plant in Abilene, Texas. According to Bernie Marston, these Olds Ambassador instruments were sold as Reynolds Emperor models in an attempt to keep the dealer networks of both Olds and Reynolds intact. The Reynolds Emperor Flugelhorn was also produced after the move to Abilene and was based on the Olds Flugelhorn Model L-12.

Model Engraving Styles

The photos and notes below describe the different engraving styles that were used on Emperor instruments over different periods of the Reynolds Company's history.