With the addition of the Ruskin collection, the NMM's holdings of Olds instruments, which previously included twenty-two trombones, fourteen cornets and trumpets, a horn, and a sousaphone, was increased to 160 representative examples.Īn additional thirty-one trumpets and cornets by other makers are also represented in the Ruskin Collection, including instruments by Bach, Benge, Besson, Buescher, Courtois, Distin, Getzen, Higham, Jay, Marbeau, Pepper, Reynolds, Rexcraft, Wagner, and H. According to Olds researcher and noted brass instrument restorer/maker, Robb Stewart (Arcadia, California), Ruskins' collection "was probably the most complete collection of Olds brasses in private hands." The author of two books concerning project management, Ruskin also published more than 35 papers in the fields of engineering and management.Īs an amateur trumpet player and collector, Ruskin systematically assembled a collection of 122 cornets, trumpets, and flugelhorns representing virtually every model made by F.
1962 OLDS AMBASSADOR CORNET PROFESSIONAL
in engineering from the University of Michigan, was a registered professional engineer and Professor of Engineering at Harvey Mudd College, Claremont, California (1963-1973), prior to co-founding the influential Claremont Consulting Group. An inventory of the collection can be found below.Īrnold ("Arnie") M. Olds of Los Angeles and Fullerton, California, was donated to the NMM in the fall of 2008 by the collector's widow, Nancy, of La Cañada, California. Significant Characteristics: Thumb saddle for first is elevated and bell finish is hammered like the Military Model.The Arnold Ruskin Collection, consisting of 153 outstanding trumpets, cornets, and flugelhorns assembled to document the models produced by F. Photo from Robb Stewartħ Years Built: ca The Olds French Model Trumpet Variants: Available in French bore only. 31 Super Trumpet Years Built: by before WWII Variants: Only one bore size not specified in the catalog Significant Characteristics: Nickel Tone Ring applied to the bell flare at the rim. Photo from Robb Stewartĥ The Olds Symphony Trumpet Years Built: ca before 1932 Variants: Available in M-SYM and Symphony (large) bores Significant Characteristics: The Martin large bore offering.
Reynolds helped launch the Ambassador student line and enforced rigorous quality standards for new products such as the Olds Studio models until his death at the factory in Reynolds apprentice Zigmant Kanstul assumed Reynolds post, but pressures from new owners for greater returns on higher volume production led to a decline in quality and Kanstul left to run Benge for King in Unable to achieve desired profit margins, or to sell the company for an inflated price in an over-supplied market, Norlin shut down Olds and auctioned off the assets in 1979.ģ Years Built: ca /48 The Olds Standard Trumpet Variants: Available in Medium, Large Medium and Large Large Medium bores Significant Characteristics: Bb/A quick change by way of the under-mounted stop-rod on the tuning slide Catalog GraphicĤ The Olds Military Trumpet Years Built: ca /8 Variants: Available in Small, Medium and Large Medium bores Significant Characteristics: Hammered finish on the entire bell. CMI hired King designer and former York apprentice Foster Reynolds out of retirement to run the Olds plant. Olds was absorbed by the holding Company Chicago Musical Instruments at the end of World War II. Early the following year, the company, under son Reginald B Olds, introduced its first trumpets. Five days into the trip, Olds died of a massive heart attack and was buried at sea. In 1928, Olds and his wife embarked on a lengthy cruise aboard the SS City of Los Angeles.
This expanded into the band instrument company that bore his name. Some time before 1910, he began to manufacture trombones in his garage. Frank Olds, who was born in 1861 in Medina New York to a civil war hero, began as a machinist and laborer, from the Toledo area who moved at a young age to Los Angeles where he became involved first in Bicycles and then steam automobiles engaging in the repair of both. Olds & Son Trumpets and Cornets This guide contains photos from my collection, advertising, and the websites of some resellers, which detail the trumpets of the F.E.