This vintage Selmer Triple Threat small bore tenor trombone, built in Elkhart, Indiana during the 1940s, is one of the rarest factory collaborations ever produced. What sets this model apart is its original Earl Williams handslide, featuring the signature curved hand brace and ornate water key. The slide has a .490 bore, perfectly straight with no plating wear or defects on the inner tubes—an exceptional find for a trombone of this age.
The bell is 7.5" yellow brass with warm, honey-colored lacquer, all original and showing only light wear for its age. The horn has never been modified or pieced together. It's built from heavier gauge material than most small bore tenors, and the additional bracing gives it a balanced, weighty feel in the hands. That extra density translates into more presence—players often describe the sound as having a full, radiant energy that seems to project from every angle.
Professionally serviced here at our shop, this instrument received a full cleaning, chemical bath, and thorough play test. A seasoned jazz player will instantly recognize the flexibility and tonal punch this horn delivers. It’s a piece of playable history and would be right at home in the hands of a collector, professional, or enthusiast of vintage Elkhart and Earl Williams trombones.
This is a true collector’s item, and it’s rare to see one this complete and original. It includes a functional vintage case.
This Selmer Triple Threat trombone has been sold and now appears in our Archive of Sold Instruments for historical reference.
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