Trumpet Owned By Louis Armstrong

Skip to main content Trumpet owned by Louis Armstrong Collection Search

Click to open image viewer.

CC0 Usage Conditions ApplyClick for more information. Click to view download files Click to view IIIF info This media is in the public domain (free of copyright restrictions). You can copy, modify, and distribute this work without contacting the Smithsonian. For more information, visit the Smithsonian's Open Access page. International media Interoperability Framework IIIF provides researchers rich metadata and media viewing options for comparison of works across cultural heritage collections. Visit the IIIF page to learn more. View manifest View in Mirador Viewer Expand to view image × PreviousNext Created by Henri Selmer Paris, French, founded 1885 Vincent Bach Corporation, American, founded 1918 Owned by Armstrong, Louis, American, 1901 - 1971 Date September 1946 Medium brass Dimensions H x W: 5 3/4 x 21 7/8 x 4 3/4 in. (14.6 x 55.6 x 12.1 cm) Caption This 1946 Henri Selmer B-flat custom-made and inscribed trumpet belonged to Louis Armstrong. Armstrong had been playing an earlier version of a Selmer trumpet since 1932. Even though he believed you could play a trumpet for a long time, he had the habit of playing his trumpets for approximately five years before he passed it on as a gift to a friend or colleague. In February 1946, Armstrong’s manager and close friend, Joe Glaser, wrote to Selmer Instrument Company and asked for a new trumpet custom-made for Armstrong’s use. Selmer agreed and presented him with this inscribed Selmer B-flat trumpet. This personally inscribed trumpet was made only for Armstrong and was not mass produced. Description A brass trumpet with mouthpiece and case. The trumpet has a Henri Selmer Paris inscription near the bell and valve case, and "Louis Armstrong" is engraved on the leadpipe. Classification Musical Instruments Type musical instruments trumpets Topic Jazz (Music) Credit Line Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture Object number 2008.16.1-.3 Restrictions & Rights No Known Copyright Restrictions Proper usage is the responsibility of the user. GUID http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/fd59839eca5-786d-4261-acf3-1d264ee3a271

Cataloging is an ongoing process and we may update this record as we conduct additional research and review. If you have more information about this object, please contact us at [email protected]

Share this page Close Modal

@email has successfully signed up to receive updates and news from the National Museum of African American History and Culture. Thank you!

First Name Last Name Email address

You will receive emails from NMAAHC, including updates and news on the latest discoveries and exhibitions. You can unsubscribe at any time.

Please wait as your information is being submitted.

Email powered by Salesforce (Privacy Policy)

Share this page on Facebook. Share this page on X. Share this page using email.