When Tony DiPardo was an elementary school student growing up in an impoverished section of downtown St. Louis, a music teacher moved into the neighborhood. He was looking for youngsters with a love of music. Although the DiPardo family couldn't afford lessons, the young teacher took Tony under his wing and Tony soon became the star pupil. He told the youngster, "Tony, one day music is going to change your life." Not knowing what to think at the time, he kept working hard. If he wasn't lighting street lamps, doing his homework or helping to raise a younger brother and two sisters, the self-proclaimed "poor little Italian boy from St. Louis" was blowing his horn.

Today, he is a Kansas City treasure known simply as "Mr. Music." Tony DiPardo: Life, Love, Music and Football tells the rags-to-riches story that will leave you laughing, crying and turning every page to discover DiPardo's journey from the streets of St. Louis to national billing with his big bands. His performances from the Muehlbach Hotel in Kansas City, Missouri, were such a sensation that they were beamed across the nation, so fans could listen on their radios. During a stop in Kansas City. DiPardo auditioned a beautiful, talented vocalist at radio station WHB. Her name: Ann Ryan. She joined Tony's band on his 30th birthday, August 15, 1941. In May of 1942, they were married. Every national act that appeared in Kansas City for more than 40 years had one request: "Get me Tony DiPardo."

His life changed forever when he met a young Texas millionaire who was bringing an American Football League team to Kansas City in 1963. Lamar Hunt asked Kansas City Mayor H. Roe Bartle who could serve as the team's band director. Bartle said there was just one man for the job, Tony DiPardo. The mayor said that DiPardo would lend instant credibility and recognition to the fledgling team.

DiPardo and Hunt sealed the deal with a handshake, and 43 years later they still use that same handshake as the foundation for the longest running music act in league history. As the Hall of Fame Kansas City Chiefs owner said: "Tony DiPardo is the Kansas City Chiefs. In Kansas City, TD doesn't just stand for football. It stands for Tony DiPardo."

This is by far the coolest instrument we have ever had in the shop! This horn is the only one-owner King Mini I have ever known. The horn was given to Tony by the King family in the 1930's as he was one of their top artists. The history of the King mini-trumpets is fairly well known:

King Miniature Trumpets where produced in late 20's early 1930's and are the rarest of the rare. The Mini trumpets never entered formal production and were not available to the public. Only 100 were produced in the King Liberty Trumpet style according to Kay White. A totally new set of mouthpieces were designed and milled out. Plus, a wide verity of finishes and engraving were used to give each one its own unique look and feel. All the trumpets are playable, (though it is not recommended) some play in Bb while others play in A. The Mini King Liberty Trumpets were developed for promotional uses such as: gifts for good dealers, employee's with a certain number of years of service, and for big name artist.

Given the incredible rarity of this item, it's provenance, and it's condition we are asking for private submissions for bids via email.   Please put your name, your highest fair offer (wire transfers only, no credit cards will be accepted), and a brief message about what this instrument would mean for you personally in your collection for the seller to review.

Let's talk about the overall condition of this instrument. To be honest it's far better than I expected. There's been a repair to the second slide done in the past and a few small dings in the bell bow. Besides those very minor things this horn is in remarkable condition. The Valves have fantastic compression for this era. With Berp Bio #3 the horn plays very well.  

All the slides move, all caps move, and the horn plays (see video below).

What's included in this auction:

The King Mini Trumpet

The original Gustat No. 1 mouthpiece specifically made for Tony and this instrument (mouthpiece does have some slide end shank damage)

The original Humes and Berg mute specifically made for this instrument.

Original book, CD, and DVD included

Original Tony DiPardo Bobblehead "Mr. Music" included

This is one-of-a-kind collector's dream be it a Chiefs fan, a trumpet collector, someone who collects mini instruments, etc.

This will get updated when higher bids come in but as of 8/12/25 the current high bid is 11000 USD

1. "As Is, Where Is": The item is being sold in its current condition ("as is") and at its present location ("where is"). The seller makes no representations or warranties regarding the condition, quality, or fitness of the item for any particular purpose.
2. No Guarantees: The seller does not guarantee the item's authenticity, functionality, value, or any other aspect. Bidders are responsible for their own assessment of the item.
3. Inspection Encouraged: Potential buyers are strongly encouraged to inspect the item thoroughly before placing a bid to ensure it meets their expectations. Failure to inspect will not constitute grounds for claim or adjustment.
4. No Reliance on Descriptions: Any descriptions or information provided about the item (including in catalogs, online listings, or verbal statements) are for informational purposes only and should not be relied upon as factual representations or warranties.
5. No Implied Warranties: The seller disclaims all warranties, express or implied, including, but not limited to, the implied warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose.
6. All Bids are Binding: By placing a bid, the buyer agrees to purchase the item at the price they bid if they are the successful buyer. All sales are final, and winners cannot cancel. Payment must be completed within 3-business days or bid will be forfeited and next bidder will have right of purchase.
7. No Returns or Exchanges: Once the sale is completed, no returns, exchanges, or refunds will be permitted.
8. Risk of Loss: The safety and security of the purchased item are the winning bidder's responsibility once the item is claimed.
9. Item Removal: The winning bidder is responsible for removing the item from its current location by the specified date and time.

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