Gemeinhardt Piccolo Age/Model Question

[Kaylyn]

Hi all,

I was wondering if you could help me in determining how old this Gemeinhardt piccolo I just bought is. I looked at the serial number lists, but can't find exactly what I am looking for.

It's marked as follows:
Gemeinhardt
Elkhart, IND.
<C>

Serial number is 10042

The head is marked Sterling.

Thank you!

[pied_piper]

Gemeinhardt has a list of serial numbers on their website.

http://www.gemeinhardt.com/serialnumberguide.html

I see your dilemma. Based upon the markings, it would appear that you have a model "C" piccolo which is the predecessor of the current model 4SH. (4 is Gemeinhardt's designation for piccolos, and SH is for silver head). The "C" designation was probably used on early piccolos to indicate the key and distinguish them from Db piccolos. Unfortunately, the Gemeinhardt serial number listings have a break between 2081 and 33000. Their website indicates that some serial number records have been lost and yours likely falls into that category:

Due to past technical difficulties, this guide does not contain all instruments built by the Gemeinhardt Company. Any numbers not contained in this guide have unfortunately been lost. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.

However, I would guess that your piccolo was made in that general timeframe somewhere between 1956 and 1960.

[Kaylyn]

However, I would guess that your piccolo was made in that general timeframe somewhere between 1956 and 1960.

Thanks for venturing a guess! I got it on eBay for $35 Buy it Now (the woman selling it had listed it as a flute) and it needs a good clean and a few pads. For the age, though, I think it's in pretty great shape. I was surprised that it had a solid silver head.

Thank you so much for the information!