Hello everyone,
I just acquired a cool old trombone with Franz Weber, Maker, Vienna, B J NY
Sole Importers
Inscribed on the bell. It is in silver, with a nice and uniform patina, and gold wash bell. It has a device that appears to be a stop for adjusting the tuning slide (sorry, I am still working on getting the proper nomenclature). I do see that he is listed under the Makers, but no real info beyond that. Is there anywhere I can find additional information about this craftsman?

B&J were importers in the early 1900s. They didn't make their own instruments, but they did sell such 'brands' such as American Commander, Esquire, Gonert et Cie and Serenader. Sometime dealers would come up with a name that would sound like an actual manufacturer, just to imply some status and quality to their imports. The Langwill Index does not mention this company. So, it seems possible that this was not really the company that made the instrument. And it may not have actually been made in Vienna.

Ah- that totally makes sense. Thank you very much!