Reynolds Serial Number List
The detailed serial number list provided below is based on the visual observation of engraving patterns and other instrument details that I've cross-referenced against catalog illustrations and other available information. I believe that while exact date/serial number details are missing, the general progression of these lists is defendable and accurately represents Reynolds instruments through the company's history.
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serial no. |
date |
notes |
|
00001 |
1936 |
F.A. Reynolds name first used in commerce in February 1936. |
|
05000 |
1941-1945 |
Production rates ramp up in the early 1940's to meet demand for World War II service band contracts. Many instruments with SNs 4xxx-21xxx with the "US" bell engraving and/or documented wartime purchase. |
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10000 |
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15000 |
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20000 |
1945/46 |
Scherl & Roth buy F.A. Reynolds in 1946 (~SN 22000). |
|
25000 |
1949 |
The Emperor and Contempora brands were introduced by F.A. Reynolds in 1947 and 1949, respectively, according to U.S. trademark applications. First recorded Emperor model: SN 24577. First recorded Contempora model: 232xx, 25594. |
|
30000 |
~1952 |
Instruments start to be branded "Roth-Reynolds" instead of "F.A. Reynolds". |
|
35000 |
~1954 |
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40000 |
1956 |
Contempora trumpet SN 41902 purchased June 1956. Reynolds "Hi-Fi" cornet introduced ~1956 (415xx lowest serial number recorded). |
|
45000 |
1957 |
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50000 |
1958 |
Chambers Model horn delivered Fall 1958; 52xxx lowest serial number recorded. |
|
55000 |
1959 |
Argenta brand introduced 1959; 545xx lowest serial number recorded. "Hi-Fi" trumpet and trombone introduced. |
|
60000 |
1961 |
Most instruments between SN 60000-79000 bear the RMC shield, corresponding to the 1961-1963 period that Richards Music owned Reynolds. |
|
65000 |
1962 |
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70000 |
1963 |
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75000 |
1964 |
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80000 |
1964 |
Serial numbers after 79000 appear to be made in Abilene (see below) with Cleveland-made parts. |
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85000 |
1964 |
SN 85459 last known Reynolds serial number with Cleveland-made parts. |
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In 1964, CMI purchased the F.A. Reynolds Co. assets and moved manufacturing from Cleveland to Abilene, Texas and the Olds plant in Fullerton, California. Serial numbers for all Reynolds instruments were reset at 200000. The remainder of this serial number list is reproduced from original company records preserved in the Allied Band Supply catalog and is identical to the list found on Lars Kirmser's Music Trader website. |
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200000 |
Nov. 1964 |
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210000 |
Nov. 1965 |
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220000 |
Oct. 1966 |
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230000 |
Jul. 1967 |
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235000 |
May 1968 |
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250000 |
Nov. 1969 |
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260000 |
Apr. 1971 |
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270000 |
Aug. 1972 |
By 1972, all instruments are produced in Fullerton and are marked with "Made in USA" |
|
280000 |
Oct. 1973 |
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290000 |
Jun. 1974 |
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300000 |
Sep. 1975 |
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310000 |
Aug. 1976 |
SN 314587 (Oct. 1977) |
|
A00001 |
Oct. 1977 |
Olds and Reynolds merged production serial numbers in October 1977, beginning the "A" sequence |
|
A05000 |
Dec. 1977 |
A05266 (Dec. 1977); A06741 (Jan. 1978) |
|
A10000 |
Early 1978 |
A10066 (Jan. 1978); A12537 (Feb. 1978); A16496 (Apr. 1978); A18163 (May 1978) |
|
A20000 |
Mid 1978 |
A20876 (Jun. 1978); A24470 (July. 1978); A24706 (Aug. 1978); A28375 (Sep. 1978) |
|
A30000 |
Late 1978 |
A31565 (Oct. 1978); A34616 (Nov. 1978); A37470 (Dec. 1978) |
|
A35000 |
Early 1979 |
A40550 (Jan. 1979); Production ceased July 1979 |
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