Sterling Silver Bach Mouthpieces during WW2 material shortages
During WW2, the United States Government restricted the availability of critical materials crucial for the war effort. One such material that was allocated was “Silver” for military production.
In August 1942, Vincent Bach introduced the option of Sterling Silver mouthpieces, as it was expected that Vincent Bach Corporation no longer had an abundant supply of silver used for plating. It is important to note the following advertisement in this trade announcement.
” … So far sterling silver has not been put on the list of critical materials, but orders should be placed promptly.”
New Vincent Bach Sterling Silver Mouthpieces for Sensitive Lips
” Trumpet, cornet, and trombone players whose lips are sensitive and easily irritated by contact with rough mouthpiece rims on which the plating has worn through -will be interested in the new Vincent Bach sterling silver mouthpieces. These new mouthpieces are made of stock absolutely flawless and guaranteed to be free of the blow holes usually found in sterling silver castings. While more expensive than mouthpieces in brass, sterling silver mouthpieces never need be plated, and, with proper care, will last a lifetime.
Except for a slight discoloration, sterling silver is hardly affected by extremely acid saliva. Verdigris does not form in these mouthpieces and, therefore, cannot discolor or infect the lips. So far, sterling silver has not been put on the list of critical materials, but orders should be placed promptly.
For prices and further information, write the
Vincent Bach Corporation
621 East 216th Street,
New York, N. Y. “
This mouthpiece example appears to be a Sterling Silver example of a Bach Mouthpiece. It is stamped with an S and a double dot under New York. Additionally, the receiver end of the mouthpiece has a deep cut, where the mouthpiece does not show any brass under the silver.
source: International Musician, Aug 1942, page 24
source: from the BachLoyalist collection.
