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F.A. Reynolds Trombones

F.A. Reynolds' early trombones bore a strong resemblance to the King trombones that H.N. White Co. was producing in the mid 1930s, an unremarkable fact given Foster Reynolds' 30-year tenure in charge of manufacturing at White.

Because documented model numbers are not available, please refer to the following variants by their physical description and letter [A, B, C, D...] designation:

Model [A]
Brass or sterling silver bell; brass body, no counterweight.

Model [B]
Brass or sterling silver bell; brass body with nickel-silver trim, round counterweight.

Model [C]
Brass or sterling silver bell; brass body with nickel-silver tuning crook and trim, "R" counterweight.

Military Models [M]
Reynolds trombones produced for USAAF military bands during WWII.

Model Line Timelines

1936-1941	1941-1946	1946-1952	1952-
[A] [B] [M]	[A] [B] [M]	[C] [M]	[Professional]

The five-year span from 1936 to 1941 covers Reynolds' initial production and early Armed Forces service band instruments; serial numbers include instruments up to approximately 9000. Distinguishing features include a round King Liberty-style counterweight, straight bell brace ferrules and an ornate engraving style on both brass and sterling silver bells.

The next five years, 1941-1946, includes most military band and regular instrument production up to the sale of F.A. Reynolds Co. in 1946 to Scherl & Roth Co.; serial numbers range from approximately 9000-22000. Distinguishing features include a change in engraving style to vertical block lettering without decorative filigree (except on sterling silver bell horns), "T"-style brace ferrules and a round counterweight.

Trombones continued to be produced under the F.A. Reynolds name after Scherl & Roth bought the company and took over operations in 1946. Circa 1952, the Roth-Reynolds business name was introduced and model line [C] changed to the Professional name. For 1946-1952, serial numbers range from approximately 22000-30000. The instruments kept the vertical engraving style, but underwent significant changes and incorporated much more of an Olds-style design.