Looking for some help to determine age of Conn 8D. I purchased used in 1995. It has serial number 420012 on bridge under 2nd valve. Bell is engraved "G.G. CONN LTD. U.S.A.". No other markings. Some of the on-line lists I saw would indicate early 1950's, but I can't believe it is that old. Can anyone help?

Neil

Neil,
Why can't you believe it? If the serial number stamp is on the valve lever bracket it is likely a 1954 Horn. It is possible the bell might have been replaced. I'm not sure, but I thought the Horns back then would have "Elkhart" on the bell, later the "Elkhart" was not on the bell. But the body is surely 1954.

I did some more on-line searches and found that Elkhart horns have tapered valves and Texas horns are cylindrical. Mine are definitely cylindrical. So there seems to be a conflict between the standard serial number dating and the actual valve construction on my horn. Any comment or resolution?

Thanks,
Neil

Send me pictures and measurements. I'll PM you.

I never date 8Ds. They're too fresh. ;o)

Some of my earlier comments didn't publish - - How do you know the valve are cylindrical? Did you actually take them out and measure them with caliper? And I don't suggest you do actually take them out unless you have the correct tools and training. Check your inbox for my email.

I did measure the valve with a caliper, so I am certain they are cylindrical. You wanted photos...how do I get them to you?

Go to the top right corner of this page and you hsould see a tab for INBOX. I left my email address for you there.

I read somewhere that Conn recycled a lot of their serial numbers when they moved to Texas, and they removed the "Elkhart, IN" from the bell. Here's the article:
http://hornmatters.com/2010/12/the-vintage-conn-8d/