Horn-u-Copia

An Index to Conn Instruments

The long history of the Conn Company, and interest in it's products has resulted in a serial list that is probably more accurate than most such data tables for other manufacturers. However it should be noted that Conn maintained several different serial number sequences. Those that are listed here are for brass instruments only, and not woodwinds.

Pan American and Cavalier

Like most serial number lists, this is a constructed table. And, the Pan American and Cavalier portions of this table are clearly a work in progress. Although, statistical measures have been used to supply a list that is accurate, it is still constructed mathematically, and though various resources have been used to further accuracy, sources have not been exhaustive, so some error is likely.

Cavalier was a sub- brand for Pan American, used primarily as a method of supplying instruments by separate marketing and distribution. Cavalier was instituted in 1931, and used its own separate serial number list.

Horn-u-copia is in the process of improving these tentative serial number lists. It appears that Pan American and Cavaier had separate sequences for trombones. Lists for these trombones are pending.

If you note any discrepancies, or have additional information concerning this company, please contact us here at Horn-u-copia.

Notes:

The years 1967 to March 1974 (when Conn moved their brass manufacturing to Abilene, Texas), is a period where at least some of the instruments were inferior in quality

In March of 1974 an alpha-numeric system was established: The first character of the serial number indicated the decade;

• "G" for the 1970's,
• "H" for the 1980's, etc.

The second character indicated the month of the year;

• "A" for January,
• "B" for February,
• "C" for March, etc.

The third character indicated the year within the decade (defined by the first letter).

The fourth character indicated the instrument:

• "1" = Cornet,
• "2" = Trumpet,
• "3" = Alto Horn,
• "4" = French Horn,
• "5" = Mellophone,
• "6" = Valve Trombone,
• "7" = Slide Trombone,
• "8" = Baritone Horn & Euphonium,
• "9" = Tuba, and
• "10" = Sousaphone.

The remaining numbers indicated the production number within the month.

From 1987 on, the two-digit prefix number plus 50 will give you the year of manufacture.

Pan American and Cavalier

In 1917, Conn began the American First line as its first entry in the student market. American First was registered in 1918.

In November 1919, was Pan American incorporated and a factory built. The use of a prefix "P" was started around this time, and was used for approximately 10 years. The "P" prefix has no impact on the serial count, and can be ignored other than as a indication that the instrument was built in or near the 1920s. Other Prefixes were used on some Pan American products that were instended for other markts. The Cavalier line used an "O" prefix, and the International line used an "A" prefix

In 1955, Pan American serials were synced with Conn Serials starting at 500001.

Pan American and Cavalier Table information developed by Kevin McKnight

Sources:
Allied Supply
Music Trader
Conn Loyalist
and in consultation with Kevin McKnight