Brand directory/Bach/Serial number
Start with your instrument

When was it made?

Enter the serial number marked on your Bach instrument — usually on the valve casing, bell or receiver.

A name on the bell.
A history waiting to be found.
In this archive
Serial numbers & production eras · 1925–2025
Result format
Year or estimated range
Additional details
Factory & series, when known
Where can I find the number?
Free to explore. No account needed.
Where to find the number
trumpet, cornet

Valve block. Pre-1940: reverse side, horizontal. Mt Vernon 1953-65: front side, upper baluster, horizontal. Pre-1990 Elkhart: reverse side, bottom casing, vertical. Post-1990: reverse side bottom casing horizontal below location stamp; also front upper baluster.

trombone

Bell and slide serials usually differ — date from the bell section.

Frequently asked
What serial numbers does this archive cover for Bach?

The archive currently covers 5 series and 72 dating ranges from 1925 to 2025, compiled from published maker records and reference charts. Coverage grows as new tables are verified.

Where is the serial number on a Bach instrument?

Valve block. Pre-1940: reverse side, horizontal. Mt Vernon 1953-65: front side, upper baluster, horizontal. Pre-1990 Elkhart: reverse side, bottom casing, vertical. Post-1990: reverse side bottom casing horizontal below location stamp; also front upper baluster. The exact spot varies by era and instrument type — the serial number guide walks through the common locations.

What if my Bach serial number is not found?

Recheck the characters exactly as marked, including any letters and leading zeros. Letter-prefixed numbers often belong to student or non-domestic lines that cannot be dated from the number. Some production periods may simply not be covered yet.