How to read a Hirsbrunner serial number?

[ATschetter]

I bought a Hirsbrunner HBS-392/HB-21 on here a few months ago, and I just want to find out when it was made. Its serial number is 2254, and it appears to be somewhat young (probably 10-14 years old). It also has a "USN" (US Navy) engraving on the bell. Thanks.

[Michael Bush]

I bought a Hirsbrunner HBS-392/HB-21 on here a few months ago, and I just want to find out when it was made. Its serial number is 2254, and it appears to be somewhat young (probably 10-14 years old). It also has a "USN" (US Navy) engraving on the bell. Thanks.

That looks like the number from the valveset. There should be a number on the bell throat, possibly six digits, near the model number. That's the one we need.

If this were that number, then the tuba would have been made in 2002 ("22"), in May ("5"), and was the fourth instrument made that year ("4").

I don't believe they would have been making the fourth instrument of the year in May, so that's one reason I think this number came from the valveset, which also has its own serial number. My 2P, "251076," was the 76th instrument made in 2005, and it was made in October, so if production was fairly consistent with that three years earlier and was spread fairly evenly through the year they would obviously get well beyond #4 by May.

At least this shows you the pattern. I asked a similar question of Peter Hirsbrunner a while back, and he explained it to me in a very helpful email.

[michael_glenn]

My serial number is only four digits. 7926. When I contacted Hirsbrunner, he said it was made in June 1979. Seems like both the four and six digit serial numbers both have the first two indicating the year. I hope this helps.