📌 Archive Reference – No Longer Available for Sale
This King 2B Silversonic, serial # 299494, was built in 1949 during the legendary H.N. White era in Cleveland, OH.
It is a sterling-silver bell model with gold-wash inner flare — the classic “dream horn” for jazz and lead players of the late 1940s and 1950s.
This example underwent an expert historical-style restoration by the H.N. White Co. — a firm renowned for preserving the authentic look and playing qualities of vintage King instruments.
In addition to a meticulous cosmetic refinish, the horn received new inner slide tubes and full mechanical service.
The result was a stunningly smooth player that both looked and played as it might have in its prime.
It retained its original King case, in good, serviceable condition.
✦ Historical Perspective
The 2B Silversonic was the lead and jazz trombone of its generation.
Players in big-band and studio settings loved its:
Bright yet warm core sound
Sterling-silver bell with gold-wash inner flare for extra brilliance and color
Light, quick .481/.491 dual-bore slide — perfect for nimble phrasing and projection over a section
Although modern Conn-Selmer still offers a King Legend Series 2B Silversonic (current retail ≈ $5,400), many experienced players and collectors prefer the authentic vintage H.N. White builds for their tonal complexity and craftsmanship.
✦ Further Reading: H.N. White Resource
For those who wish to dig deeper into King’s history, we encourage visiting the independent archival site maintained by the H.N. White Company:
👉 www.hnwhite.com
It is an excellent historical reference.
(The Brass Exchange is not affiliated with H.N. White; we link as a courtesy for enthusiasts and researchers.)
✅ FAQs
Why is the H.N. White-era King 2B Silversonic so highly regarded?
H.N. White instruments from the 1930s-1950s were hand-crafted in relatively small batches, with attention to bell-spinning, alloy selection, and slide fit that gave them a uniquely vibrant yet flexible tone.
The 2B Silversonic’s sterling bell with gold-wash inner flare became synonymous with the lead trombone sound of the swing and post-war big-band era.
How does the vintage 2B compare to the modern Legend Series 2B?
The modern horn follows the same basic dimensions, but alloy differences, bell-spinning methods, and brace design give the vintage horns a slightly softer, more colorful core, often described as “alive” or “vocal.”
Collectors and seasoned players often choose the originals for this reason.
Is the restored horn as durable as a modern factory-new horn?
A high-quality restoration — especially when it includes new inner slide tubes and proper alignment — can bring a vintage horn back to full, reliable playing condition while preserving its classic tonal personality.
📌 Archive Reference & Next Steps
This 1949 King 2B Silversonic, expertly restored by H.N. White Co. and once offered by The Brass Exchange, has been sold and is preserved here as part of our Archive of Sold Instruments for reference by musicians, collectors, and historians.
Looking for a comparable classic lead/jazz trombone or considering a trade-in to upgrade?
👉 Browse our current in-stock trombones 🔎
📖 Explore more historic King instruments in our Archive of Sold Instruments to see how these iconic designs evolved.
