First of all, if this were a Martin Committee trumpet from the same era, it would be worth $3,000–$5,000. I’ve even heard of some selling for more, especially among pro players and collectors. But this isn’t a trumpet—it’s a rare vintage Martin Committee slide trombone, originally purchased in the early 1950s by a professional musician who was touring with a big band.
We received the horn and put it through full shop service, including a chemical bath. There are no dents or dings, and no signs of prior damage or repair. Some lacquer wear is visible around the bell rim and other parts of the horn, but after 70 years, it still looks great—and plays even better.
This model features a 7" brass bell with a .485 bore. The handslide is in excellent shape, with no plating wear on the inner tubes and perfectly straight alignment. Original case and mouthpiece were included at the time of sale.
About the Previous Owner
I usually don’t go into detail about prior ownership unless someone asks—but in this case, the seller’s son sent a truly remarkable letter. This was his father’s horn. Here’s what he shared:
“Mr. Dale Bishop was born in 1922 in North Dakota. In the early 1940s, he toured with the Jimmy Barnett Band. Back then, big band music was the thing. Then along came WWII. He enlisted in 1943 and served as a radar operator on the USS Saratoga, participating in the battle of Iwo Jima, during which his aircraft carrier suffered multiple kamikaze strikes. He manned radar stations on remote Pacific islands, where he played trombone with other musicians.
After mustering out in 1946, he returned to the Midwest and rejoined the traveling band of Jimmy Barnett, where he met his future wife at a dance in Alexandria, Minnesota. They married a year later. He continued performing throughout the region, even subbing multiple nights with the Count Basie Band.
I grew up with music in the house constantly. My father believed in the importance of daily practice and maintained his playing throughout his life. He passed away in the late 1970s. This trombone was a constant presence in our home. I hope you enjoy this wonderful instrument and reflect upon a member of our greatest generation who played and loved it.”
— Dan Bishop, son of Dale Bishop
This Martin Committee trombone has been sold and is now archived here as a tribute to the player who owned it, and the legacy it represents.
Looking for a vintage trombone with a story of its own? [Browse available instruments now] 👉 https://thebrass-exchange.com/trombones
