LOT Old Heritage Auctions  /  2007 Oct. Sig. Entertainment Memorabilia #648  / 

22293

Bunny Berigan Trumpet

Currency:USD Category:Memorabilia / Music Memorabilia Start Price:1,500.00 USD Estimated At:6,000.00 - 9,000.00 USD
Bunny Berigan Trumpet
<B>Bunny Berigan Trumpet.</B></I> Benny Goodman called him "a maverick," and according to Louis Armstrong, Berigan's only flaw was that "he died too soon." Though Bunny Berigan's life was tragically cut short, his emotionally charged trumpet performances made an indelible imprint on the world of Big Band and Swing. Playing with the likes of the Tommy Dorsey and Benny Goodman, Berigan eventually landed an orchestra of his own -- quite a feat for a young virtuoso battling a growing problem with alcoholism. Berigan's addiction got the best of him, however, and in 1942 Goodman stepped in for his friend Bunny when he failed to show up for a gig. The following day, Berigan suffered a massive hemorrhage due to cirrhosis, dying at the age of 33. According to the documentation accompanying this piece, it is evidently the Conn 22B trumpet given to Bunny by his grandfather in 1923. With a serial number of 202021 (which puts the horn as being produced between 1923-24), this markedly early Conn 22B has deep, elaborate engravings stretching the length of the bell, with flowers and filigree throughout. And according to acclaimed trumpet designer Jerome Callet, it has the clear, clean tone Berigan was known for, which can be heard in Berigan's biggest solo hit "I Can't Get Started." Mother of pearl-inlaid finger buttons and bottom valve cap rings grace the horn, as does a lyre holder on the third valve slide. Undoubtedly a cherished piece, this trumpet must have seen its share of one-nighters and early jam sessions. The horn comes with its original hard-shell case and is in Very Fine condition with chips to one finger button and bottom valve ring, missing slide tuning screw, a small ding on the bell tail, and typical age-tarnishing and hand-wear to finish. <I>Accompanied by LOA from Jerome Callet with details on Berigan's first trumpet through Bunny Berigan's daughter.</B></I><BR><BR><b>Shipping:</b> Musical Instruments, Small (<a target="_blank" href="http://www.heritageauctions.com/common/shipping.php">view shipping information</a>)
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