I figured I would write this guide after an unfortunate experience I had on Ebay purchasing an Olds Ambassador for my son due to a deceptive listing. Having previously done my research I am sharing it here so those in search of this wonderful instrument can hopefully avoid my unfortunate experience.
James Donaldson's Trumpet Gearhead web site at dallasmusic.org provides wonderful information about trumpets. He gives useful advise on purchasing trumpets, care, testing, what not to do etc..
When I started researching the history of F.E. Olds and Son about 35 years ago, there was very little known about the early years of this company. I interviewed. Robb Stewart has put together some improved serial number dates based on more. Olds employee Don Agard, the trumpet and trombone serial number lists were. For the fall 1947 school year), introduced Ambassador trumpets and cornets.
One topic he covers is the Olds Ambassafor Trumpets, which were made for the student market. This is where I learned about these wonderful trumpets, including the other models made by F.E. Olds in the USA until the company went under in 1979.
Donaldson recommends the Olds Ambassador model as one of 'the best ever' that are still very available. There are plenty to find on Ebay. However, there is a certain caution as the horns for sale are not all the same. I have seen Ambassadors for sale that have been totally restored like new without knowing what their serial number is since it was removed during the polishing so it is unknown what year model you are getting sometimes. Unless of course the restorer does not buff out the serial number. Refinishing can vary from a brushed finish or a restoration as the horn was orignally sold or even unlaquered brass. Purchasing a restored horn, regardless of the type of restoration usually costs more and the buyer should still beware and ask the seller lots of questions before bidding or buying it now.
Another condition is original with rub spots in the lacquer. While the condition of the lacquer can vary from horn to horn depending on the care it was given by the prior owner or owners, having a horn with at least 70% of its lacquer can usually be a sure bet the horn is in good condition. I have seen horns from the early 50s with a lot of their lacquer and minimal wear or mininal dings.
Also consider that improvements to lacquering can affect a horn depending on the year model. For instance the Ambassadors manufactured in Los Angeles when found today often have a darker color probably due to the type of lacquer used. Often the Fullerton models retain their color better which may be due to a change in the lacquer used.
Climate can also affect lacquer on an instrument and how the instrument is stored. Humid climates can take their toll on brass instruments unlike dryer climates.
The next category of condition Olds Ambassadors have been up for auction on Ebay are those that have been the subject of self-help restoration or those that have been modified or sustained damage. While seller descriptions may not be thorough, buyer's should beware and look at the pictures carefully.
Such horns subject to self-help polishing reduce the value of such instrument and should be avoided unless the buyer is experienced in restoration and knows what they are doing. It is often easy to spot such self-help polished instruments as the brass is bright and shiny and not a mellow warm tone color of an instrument with most of its original lacquer. These self-help Ambassadors are often listed as estate finds with the seller knowing nothing about instruments.
Buyer care should also be taken with instruments that have damages. Carefully review the description and pictures for any damages. Dings and minor dents don't usually detract from an instruments playability. What should be the upmost concern for Buyers is whether any of the tubing is bent. I encounterd such a problem with an Ambassador in which the Seller neglected to describe that a main tube was not only compressed it was bent and this was not visible in the photos.
While an instrument with a bent tube may play, it may not play up its top quality. Also repairing such an instrument can be costly as the tubing usually needs to be replaced when it is damaged beyond a simple ding. Hence Buyers should ask if any of the tubing is bent or out of the original alignment or if there appears to be repairs to the bracing or if any parts have been rewelded.
While may prize the Los Angeles Ambassadors, the early Fullerton ones are also gems. The early Fullertons have the same bracing as the Los Angeles ones as it was later on that Olds changed the bracing, mouthpiece receiver and the pinky ring to a finger hook, which may have been around 1958. Also the engraving from the early models changed and this is evident comparing the 50s models to the 70s models. The earlier engraving is much more elaborate.
Serial numbers are another important factor to consider to date a horn. It is fairly easy to date the Los Angeles models that have 'Los Angeles' engraved on the bell, as those were made until Olds moved to Fullerton around 1954. After the move the Ambassador trumpets had engraved Fullerton on the bell. The Ambassadors manufatured in Fullerton had a much longer run. Musictrader.com on their Olds page lists Olds serial numbers from March 1952 at 73000 (anything earlier would be before that date) to number 999999 in September 1977.
The serial numbers are also carried on each of the 3 valves and this is another consideration a Buyer should query a seller. If a valve has been replaced it will not carry the same serial number or may not have one at all. Seller's should disclose this information in their listing as it is easy to determine by removing the valves from the horn.
Several other details that Buyers should beware are whether any of the slides are stuck, whether the valve covers are stuck in place or the threads stripped, the water keys are in working order or missing, any parts are missing. Purchasing an instrument with these problems can be quite costly to repair or find replacement parts for and may not be worth the investment.
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As James Donaldson stated in his wonderful guide 'these are great playing horns, often better than other companies' allegedly professional models, built to withstand all the rigors of the school band room, marching field, and street. They were built to be played at Armegedon.'
Donaldson points out that these vintage Ambassadors 'are not the prettiest things around' and considering Olds stopped production in 1979 such horns are at least over 30 years old and goes on to state that those 'worn and in need of some repair . . . I wouldn't bother with . . . unless you know pretty much what you are doing.'
As Donaldson said '[l]ook at the more expensive ones--they are essentially ready to go . . .' although 'they may have some splotchy lacquer.'
And just that, an Olds Ambassador with some cosmetic wear, minimal dings or none at all, aligned tubes and some splotchy lacquer, with a little TLC, can make some nice music.