F.A. Reynolds
"Years of research, use of the finest materials obtainable and insistence on unhurried craftsmanship have been the foundation on which the Reynolds line of band instruments has been built. Recognition awarded to Reynolds instruments has justified this policy for it is acclaimed that Reynolds instruments provide a superlative means of interpreting and rendering music written by the Masters." (1947 catalog)
In February 1936, Foster Reynolds began operations of the F.A. Reynolds Company. Reynolds' earliest instruments appear to have much in common with the designs he was familiar with from over 30 years of work at The H.N. White Co. and it is not unthinkable that Reynolds leaned heavily on his former experiences and relationships as he got his new company started (especially H.N. White workers whom he convinced to join him or whose services he "borrowed").
Reynolds' early success in brass instrument manufacturing was recognized by the United States Army and the company was awarded contracts to provide instruments for the Army Air Force (USAAF) service bands during World War II. These instruments have a silverplate finish and a large "U.S." mark engraved on the bell rim, as well as a different engraving style from the standard F.A. Reynolds horns.
The military contracts allowed the new company to continue developing instrument production techniques when many established manufacturers, e.g. Olds and Conn, were forced to shut down production lines and make wartime equipment. Reynolds made instruments for the USAAF until the production contract quotas were met in the late 1940s, even for several years after the conclusion of WWII.
While Scherl & Roth purchased the Reynolds business from Foster Reynolds in 1946, instruments continued to bear the F.A. Reynolds name up until 1952, when the Roth-Reynolds name was introduced. At some point in this transition, the Reynolds trumpets, cornets and trombones underwent varying design changes and were relabeled as "Professional" models, marketed between the intermediate-level Emperor and premium Contempora instrument lines introduced in 1947 and 1949, respectively. All other Reynolds instruments were rebranded as Contempora models in 1949/50.
Model Engraving Styles
The photos and notes below describe the different engraving styles that were used on original F.A. Reynolds instruments during the first 15-16 years of the Reynolds Company's history:
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1936-1941 | F.A. Reynolds (Cleveland) |
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When Reynolds left H.N. White in 1936 to start his own company, he reportedly managed to take one of White's long-time lead engravers with him. As a result, early Reynolds instruments have very ornate engravings that are reminiscent of the older H.N. White "Silver Tone" horns.
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This ornate style appears on both sterling silver (above) and brass bell (here, silverplated) trumpets, cornets and trombones. Recorded serial numbers range from 208 to 9214 (1936-1941).
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The French horns had a much simpler engraving style than other Reynolds instruments most likely due to the thinner metal on the bell flare.
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1941-1952 | F.A. Reynolds (Cleveland) |
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The vertical engraving style replaced the ornate horizontal style (above) on trumpets, cornets and trombones around the start of World War II. Recorded serial numbers range from 92xx to approximately 30000 (1941-1952).
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There is a marked difference between brass bell and sterling silver bell engravings. The former are marked with a very plain vertical FA REYNOLDS in block letters, while the sterling bells feature ornate engravings and filigree around the FA REYNOLDS text.
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This style was used primarily on Reynolds background brass, baritones and low brass.
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The same engraving pattern shown above was used on all instruments made for the U.S. Army Air Force (USAAF) bands during World War II. In addition to the bell engraving, a large "U.S." mark was on the edge of the bell, signifying the USAAF procurement (as opposed to "USN" and "USQMC" marks for the Navy and regular Army bands, respectively).
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Cornet, SN 3244. Photo(s) courtesy of eBay Member:
wideangleman
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