Overview
This vintage King 2B trombone, serial number 227178, was built in 1939 during the H.N. White Cleveland era, one of the most respected periods of American brass instrument manufacturing. The 2B model itself was introduced by H.N. White in collaboration with Tommy Dorsey, and it quickly became one of the defining small-bore jazz trombones of the swing era.
This particular instrument is a fully silver-plated example, including the bell and handslide. The plating appears original and presents beautifully, giving the horn a striking vintage appearance while preserving the classic engraving style unique to this early period of King production.
The bell retains its original gold wash interior, which has mellowed slightly with age but remains clearly visible and authentic to the instrument.
Overall, this 2B represents an excellent example of a pre-war King jazz trombone, offering the lively response and singing tone that made these instruments favorites among big band and commercial players.
Player Perspective
The King 2B has long been one of the defining small-bore jazz trombones. Introduced during the H.N. White era and closely associated with Tommy Dorsey, the model is known for its compact feel, lively response, and brilliant projection in lead and commercial settings.
The classic dual-bore 2B slide design provides a balance of clarity and flexibility that makes the instrument easy to shape musically. Players often appreciate how quickly the horn speaks, allowing smooth lyrical phrasing as well as crisp articulation in swing and big band repertoire.
Original H.N. White era King trombones are especially valued for their resonance and character. Many players find that these early instruments have a lively, colorful sound that helped define the trombone voice heard on countless swing-era recordings.
This particular example retains that personality well. The bell is straight with strong visual presence, and the original silver finish gives the instrument a distinctive vintage appearance rarely seen on early Liberty models.
Overall, this is a classic pre-war King 2B—a responsive small-bore jazz trombone with authentic vintage character that remains enjoyable for players who appreciate the feel and sound of early American brass instruments.
Condition Summary
• Model: King 2B
• Manufacturer: H.N. White Company, Cleveland
• Year: 1939
• Serial Number: 227178
• Finish: Original silver plate
• Bell Interior: Original gold wash (naturally mellowed with age)
Service performed in our shop includes:
• Full chemical cleaning
• Careful silver polish
• Slide inspection and alignment
Condition notes:
• Bell is straight with strong visual presentation
• No dents or significant dings present
• Neckpipe is completely straight
• Original handslide tubes remain straight and properly aligned
• One inner tube shows a small area of smooth plating wear typical for instruments of this age. Many players continue to use original slides like this for years without issue.
Overall, the instrument remains fully original with an excellent vintage appearance and solid playing condition.
Serial Number Details
Many H.N. White era King trombones were stamped with matching serial numbers across several key components of the instrument.
On examples from this period, players may find the same serial number appearing in as many as four locations:
• Outer handslide lower tube near the cross brace junction
• Back of the handslide near the cork barrel area
• Bell receiver area below the neckpipe
• Outer tuning slide on the small diameter female nickel tube
Matching numbers across these locations help confirm the originality of the instrument and indicate that the bell, slide, and tuning components were produced and assembled together at the factory.
Ordering & Shipping
This instrument can be ordered directly on our website using the secure shopping cart.
Simply add the instrument to your cart and proceed through checkout. Shipping charges will be calculated before final payment so you can review the total cost in advance.
Orders are typically shipped the same or next business day via FedEx Ground once payment is completed. Tracking information is provided automatically when the shipment is processed.
If you have any questions before ordering, you are always welcome to contact us directly.
Availability & Shop Inspection
Vintage H.N. White era King trombones remain among the most respected small-bore jazz instruments ever produced. Their responsive feel, distinctive tonal character, and historical connection to the swing era continue to attract both players and collectors.
This 1939 King 2B silver-plated example represents a particularly attractive and well-preserved instrument from that era, combining classic King design with the striking appearance of original silver finish and gold wash bell.
As with all instruments we sell, this trombone has been inspected and serviced in our shop to ensure proper slide alignment and dependable performance.
Since 2010, The Brass Exchange has specialized in carefully selecting and preparing professional-level brass instruments for players around the world, with a focus on transparency, proper setup, and accurate descriptions so musicians can purchase with confidence.
Explore More Trombones at The Brass Exchange
If you're researching vintage King trombones or comparing professional instruments, you may also enjoy browsing other trombones currently available in our shop.
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Explore our Archive of Sold brass instruments, which documents many rare and collectible models that have passed through our shop over the years.
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