What is a Holton Al Hirt Special trumpet worth?

Answer 1

Al Hirt was a famous Trumpet player and he would have been sponsored to use this instrument.

Horton trumpets were regarded highly by big band players through the 40's to 70's and an Al hirt Horton is probably worth around $800.

The trumpet (and also cornet) called the Al Hirt Special was not a 'Pro' level horn, but rather an intermediate. They were introduced while Al Hirt was playing and endorsing Holton branded horns but were not the model that he used himself. The model was introduced at the time that Le Blanc purchased Holton and also had purchased/owned Courtois. The Al Hirt model that he played and indeed had his name on... The Al Hirt Signature Model, was of the Pro level Courtois Sonic 700 series. On a very good day one could possibly find this signature horn, well used, for $800. A very fine horn indeed. However the Holton "Al Hirt Special" in very nice used condition often sells beneath $300. More often less.For anyone that isn't actually at a pro level of playing, the Special is a very good horn.

As to the Holton trumpets as a whole...they are, from bottom to top fine playing horns. They were in fact the most influential brass shop in the first half of the 20th century and in the second half, produced some amazing horns that were sponsored by Al, and many other pros...Manyard foremost of the group. The MF horns being highly desired to this day. Unfortunately, as happened with the rest of the established brasswinds, (from King to Conn to Martin...now gone, Holton and even Bach etc., they became part of one conglomerate after another and are currently all are under the Conn Selmer group.