This 1946 Henri Selmer B-flat custom-made and inscribed trumpet belonged to Louis Armstrong, who was born on this day in 1901. 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.
Trumpet owned by Louis Armstrong
- 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.
- Data Source
- National Museum of African American History and Culture
- Created by
- Henri Selmer Paris, French, founded 1885
- Vincent Bach Corporation, American, founded 1918
- Owned by
- Louis Armstrong, American, 1901 - 1971
- Date
- September 1946
- Credit Line
- Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture
- 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)
- Type
- musical instruments
- trumpets
