History

In the late 1800's, The Salvation Army manufactured their own line of brass instruments. Salvation Army bands were required to buy their instruments from the Salvation Army factory, and the story has it that players were only allowed to use them for Salvation Army work.

Over the years, a number of different models were produced, including "Own Own Make", "Triumph", "Triumphonic", and "The Bandmaster".

As time went on, the factory retained their tried and proven manufacturing methods, as other manufacturers moved towards automation. Eventually it was too late and expensive to catch up, and in 1972, the factory closed.

Salvation Army brass instruments were typically designed and made "tough", so that they could withstand the often rough treatment that occurred while playing on street corners and roads.

A number of current designs have been attributed to The Salvation Army. The trombone lock on virtually all modern trombones was first developed on their instruments. An early flugelhorn design featuring a bow-type tuning slide was developed but later dropped.

This site showcases a modest collection of Salvation Army brass instruments, dated from the early 1900's to the mid 1960's. Some are in original condition, some have had repairs, and others have been completely restored to better-than-new condition. Each has their own story.