Maker: C. G. Conn

Model: Director 15B

Date: 1965

Geography: Elkhart, Indiana, United States

Material: Brass

Serial Number: E68358

Accession Number: GL-019_A1-19

Provenance: Unknown

Key: B-flat

Pitch: Low

Finish: Brass

Lacquer: Factory lacquer

Engraving: Engraved bell with Conn’s “three marching men” logo. Stars shine above the performers and “CONN / U.S.A.” is engraved below.

Mouthpiece: No

Accessories: No

Case: No

Notes:

Stamped “[star] DIRECTOR [star]” on lead pipe.
Mother-of-pearl valve caps
Contains “sandwich guide” in valves. This was a Conn invention (during Leland Greenleaf’s time at the company). The valves contain a plastic piece that is sandwiched between thin metal pieces, which help to keep the piston assembly from rotating. The 1968 “Conn Product Manual” mentions Conn was the first manufacturer to make the “Nylon Sandwich Key Guide” (page 35).
From the 1966 Conn “Illustrated Price List” Catalog: “Acclaimed by music educators throughout the country as the top value in student trumpets. Designed to allow the student to progress to the best of his natural ability. Easy playing, with precise intonation throughout all registers. Remarkably centered response and tonal brightness. Ruggedly built to stand up under the rigors of student use. 17B has Coprion bell for slightly darker, more centered tone. 15B has brass bell. Medium bore feel. Length 21”. Bell 4 5/8”.”