Old Stamp I (1930s-1945)
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The city of Turkey officially changed its name from “Constantinople” to “Istanbul” in 1930. It was not until many years later that the K Zildjian Cymbal factory updated its cymbal stamps. The first stamp that included the word “Istanbul” used a tall narrow font, and eliminated the word “trademark” which had appeared on earlier stamps under the word Constantinople.
This stamp was the last one to use the old fashioned way to abbreviate the phrase “and company” as “& C |
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Another example of Stamp I. |
I have a set of 14″ K Zildjian & Cie Hi Hat/Orchestra cymbals with the G stamp on the edge so I’ve spent a great deal of time researching the timeline. I found that when Turkey got it’s independence in 1923 they changed the name to Istanbul which was what they (the Turks) had always called it. The rest of the world and Zildjian continued to use Constantinople until early 1930 when by law everything made in Istanbul had to say Made In Istanbul and the rest of the world followed suit when the Turkish Post Office would no longer deliver mail addressed to Constantinople. These hats are amazing by the way and in great condition in every way. These would’ve been imported by Gretsch between 1926 when Gretsch became the sole importer & 1930 and can be seen in old catalogs. I’ve heard that these are highly regarded by orchestra musicians and that that is where most of them reside. They are the “Holy Grail”.
Oops, forgot to add that they are K Zildjian & Cie Constantinople Hats.
Scott, your description of the sequence of events associated with the name-change from “Constantinople” to “Istanbul” sounds to be consistent with what I’ve read. Is there any chance you could send me a picture of your 1926-1930 era stamp? I’ve also been trying to compile a timeline of those stamps, though it is much more difficult: http://www.robscott.net/cymbals/?page_id=157
p.s. I have also heard, more than once, that in fact the K factory continued to use the “Constantinople” stamp waay into the 1930s. Which would mean that any stamp with Istanbul is presumed 1940 or later. I would like to see some proof, however, such as an advertisement found within a dated publication.
Thanks for your fine site…I have already re-classified several of my Ks… I have a friend who translates Chinese, and I’ll send the image to him, although I fear it is marginally legible, and probably says roughly what’s written in the English portion…
I’m a complete novice in this area, but I have a 14″ cymbal that’s marked with:
A star with a moon cradling beneath the star with MADE IN TURKEY cradling the moon. Beneath that are Arabic symbols. Beneath the symbols is marked K. Zildjian & Co. Beneath that ISTANBUL and beneath that ZILDJIAN.
Can you date this cymbal and/or provide other information?
Thank you
Jerry, that is not enough information to distinguish your cymbal. Please send a photo.
i have a k.zildjian 20 inch made in turkey istanbul cymbal and would like some info on it please .
i have a k zildjian made in turkey 20inch istanbul with star and moon cradle it has 3 unifomed holes drilled in it that are not due to crack repair/progression. please can you help me with its age history and value . thankyou