This guide documents Reynolds' production history from 1936 through 1979, covering multiple ownership periods and manufacturing locations. The company's history includes significant brand developments and corporate transitions that affected their serial number systems.
| Year | Milestone |
|---|---|
| 1936 | F.A. Reynolds name first used in commerce (February) |
| 1946 | Scherl & Roth acquires F.A. Reynolds |
| 1947 | Emperor brand introduced |
| 1949 | Contempora brand introduced |
| 1955 | Professional "Hi-Fi" cornet introduced |
| 1959 | Argenta brand introduced |
| 1960 | Richards Music Corporation (RMC) acquires Reynolds |
| 1964 | Move to Abilene and Fullerton; numbers reset to 200000 |
| 1971 | Abilene plant sold to Conn |
| 1972 | All production consolidated in Fullerton |
| 1977 | Merger with Olds; "A" sequence begins |
| 1979 | Production ceased (July) |
| Period | Years | Characteristics | Numbering System |
|---|---|---|---|
| Early Period | 1936-1946 | Independent F.A. Reynolds production | 00001-20000 |
| Scherl & Roth Era | 1946-1961 | Major brand expansion | 20000-60000 |
| RMC Period | 1961-1964 | Richards Music ownership | 60000-95000 |
| Consolidated Era | 1964-1977 | Abilene/Fullerton production | 200000-310000 |
| Final Period | 1977-1979 | Olds merger period | A00001-A40550 |
| Brand | Introduced | First Serial Numbers | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Emperor | 1947 | 24577 | Premium professional line |
| Contempora | 1949 | 232xx, 25594 | Professional model range |
| Hi-Fi | 1957/58 | 46xxx | Professional cornet line |
| Argenta | 1959 | 545xx | Mid-range instruments |
| Medalist | 1961 | 96897-221765 | Made by Blessing in Elkhart |
| Date | Starting Serial Number | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1936 | 00001 | F.A. Reynolds brand established |
| 1939 | 05000 | Pre-war production |
| 1945/46 | 20000 | Scherl & Roth acquisition |
| 1949 | 25000 | Contempora brand introduction |
| 1951/1952 | 30000 | Post-war expansion |
| Early 1950s | 35000 | Growing production |
| Mid 1950s | 40000 | Hi-Fi model development |
| 1957 | 45000 | Hi-Fi cornet introduction |
| 1958 | 50000 | Continued growth |
| 1959 | 55000 | Argenta brand launch |
| 1960 | 61000 | RMC ownership begins |
| 1961 | 65000 | Early RMC period |
| 1962 | 70000 | Mid RMC period |
| 1962/63 | 75000 | Late RMC period |
| 1961-1963 | 95000 | Medalist introduction |
| Nov. 1964 | 200000 | Post-move numbering reset |
| Nov. 1965 | 210000 | Abilene/Fullerton era |
| Oct. 1966 | 220000 | Continued production |
| Jul. 1967 | 230000 | Mid-production period |
| May 1968 | 240000 | Late 1960s production |
| Nov. 1969 | 250000 | End of decade |
| Apr. 1971 | 260000 | Early 1970s |
| Aug. 1972 | 270000 | "Made in USA" marking begins |
| Oct. 1973 | 280000 | Mid 1970s |
| Jun. 1974 | 290000 | Continued production |
| Sep. 1975 | 300000 | 300000 milestone |
| Aug. 1976 | 310000 | Final pre-merger numbers |
| Oct. 1977 | A00001 | Olds merger, A-series begins |
| Dec. 1977 | A05000 | Early merged production |
| Early 1978 | A10000 | Merged operations |
| Mid 1978 | A20000 | Continued A-series |
| Late 1978 | A30000 | Late 1978 production |
| Early 1979 | A40000 | Final production period |
| Jul. 1979 | A40550 | Production ceased |
If you have additional information or notice any discrepancies, please contact us.