Rare 1938 Buescher "400" TrueTone Bb Trumpet, Silver Plate with Gold Wash Bell and Logo Accents

1938 Buescher 400 TrueTone Trumpet – Silver Plate with Gold Wash Bell (Excellent Condition)

The Buescher 400 TrueTone was the company’s flagship professional trumpet of the late 1930s. This example, dating to 1938, is finished in silver plate with a gold wash bell and represents the large bore Model 225—which, by modern standards, corresponds more closely to a medium-large bore.

The 400 featured several distinctive design elements, most notably its reverse wrap tuning slide, which enters the valve cluster behind the third valve slide, giving the horn a freer, more open feel. Known for their strong projection and broad tonal character, these instruments were popular with professional players of the swing era.

This trumpet is in excellent overall condition with silver plating and gold wash well preserved. The tuning slide appears to have been repaired at some point but is fully functional. The horn plays well and remains in good working order, making it both a collectible vintage piece and a playable professional instrument.

Specifications:

• Model: Buescher 400 TrueTone (Model 225)

• Year: 1938

• Bore: Large bore (Model 225) – equivalent to modern medium-large

• Finish: Silver plate with gold wash bell

• Features: Reverse wrap tuning slide (enters behind 3rd valve slide)

• Condition: Excellent overall – silver and gold finishes intact; tuning slide shows evidence of past repair; fully functional and in good playing condition