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New Cornet Photo Additions Below! Do you have a vintage cornet you'd like to sell me? IMPORTANT NOTE
to users of Microsoft Internet Explorer 6.0:
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The latest version of Internet Explorer has a new feature -- after downloading the image, it resizes the image so it will fit on your screen
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To return the images back to the larger "actual size" (as defined by the resolution), place your cursor anywhere
over the "resized" image for a few moments, and you will see an orange button appear over the lower right corner of the image. Click on this button once, and the image will revert to the larger original
size. Use your scrollbar to navigate to the pictures farther down.
You can also change the preferences so that Internet Explorer will NOT resize photos fit the screen: Tools, to Internet Options, to
Advanced tab, down to Multimedia -- uncheck "enable automatic image resizing."1886 C.G. Conn "Ultimatum" C/Bb/A
(12356) The Ultimatum was Conn's standard issue in-between the initial designs (such as the "4-in-1") and the "Wonder" series. This is a late model Ultimatum; they were known to have been made after the introduction of the Wonder in 1886. Note the unusual water collector beneath the valves. The only other instance of this known to me is an instrument in the Shrine Music Museum. Also noteworthy is the engraving which features birdlike faces. I suspect this instrument had gold trim to start which was either polished off, or lost when replated.
c1883 C.G. Conn "Ultimatum" Bb/A
(7013) Several variations of the basic Ultimatum wrap have surfaced, this unrestored cornet being one. The difference here, is a rather ordinary leadpipe and main tuning slide configuration. Mark Metzler recently acquired yet another variation and is currently restoring it.
1929 Olds Cornet with hammered bell
(881) In the first year of Olds cornet production, the design ws fairly ordinary, and had no model name. As near as I can tell, this was replaced around 1930 with the design I generally refer to as "The Olds," which is the model I play for gigs. Both were available with the optional hand-hammered bell, which later became standard on the Military Model cornet and trumpet. This example had been nicely re-lacquered in the past. Obviously a well-cared for instrument, it still has its original case, key, and mouthpiece.
1870 Henry Lehnert Eb Miniature (no serial) This rotary cornet is unusual in several respects. It is a pocket cornet, and is less than 8" in length with the leadpipe shank removed. The
rotary valves are "Allen" type, which means the tubing is widened and reduced in height as it enters the rotary valve. In this way, the valves don't have to rotate as much. Lehnert was a top U.S. maker in
the 19th century and was located in Philadelphia. This cornet is nickel silver, often referred to as "German Silver" in catalogs of the day.c1930 C.A. Wunderlich "Jazzophon"
(no serial) One of a line of saxophone-shaped trumpets made in very small numbers during the jazz age in Germany, this Jazzophon features two bells. One is conventional, while the other incorporates a permanent wah-wah mute, trigger activated. A fourth piston valve diverts the air flow from one bell to the other, which essentially makes this an "echo trumpet" but in a much different configuration than seen on any echo cornet.
1880 C.G. Conn "SOLO Model" Bb/A
(1988) In 1880, Conn sold a variety of cornet designs, but their top of the line models were the "4-in-1," "Clear Bore Vocal," and "Solo." Surprisingly, the SOLO (Bb/A) seems to be the least common of the three. I currently know of just one other, and it is just one serial number lower than this example. The Conn
arrived in extremely rough condition. I sent it (12/5) off for silver plating -- here is how it looks prepped. Click on the Model Name (above) to see it finished1941 York Air Flow Cornet (22099)
One of the most unique cornet and trumpet designs ever made was the Air Flow, made just prior to WW2. There were only slight differences between the two. It was designed so that the valves would be at
a 45 degree angle from the player's point of view, and magazine ads made broad claims about adding several notes to the player's range. This example is silverplated with gold bell wash -- most were lacquered brass.
1914 York "Wizard" (100061) This was designed by Ernst Couturier prior to him starting his own company, and employed his ideas on "continuous conical bore." Note that the slides are all
permanently attached. This nearly mint original has a complete outfit as well. Also noteworthy is the breadth of the bell throat, which approaches that of a flugelhorn. He made a model for Holton, but
I have never been able to figure out how it differed from their ordinary "New Proportion" -- it may have been identical; merely a marketing ploy.
c1895 Gautrot (Couesnon) Pocket Cornet
(no serial) This little cornet is unmarked, but the recent discovery of a marked Gautrot Brevete pocket, identical in all respects, confirms its origins. Gautrot was acquired by Couesnon in 1883 (and continued to use the Gautrot name), so it could have been made by either. Note the J.W. Pepper (import) Pocket Cornet elsewhere on this page -- except for a a couple of insignificant details, it is also identical. The shank receiver had to be replaced on this cornet, but it was taken from a parts Gautrot cornet.
c1914 John Heald "Artistone" Cornet (2554) Not well known is the fact that Heald made two long model cornets at the same time -- the other was the "Concertone" model. All Heald cornets employed his patented
thumb-activated water key, a very useful feature. It is believed that Heald himself undertook all important facets of production personally -- these cornets are highly regarded as players, which seems to be
confirmed by the surprising number which have survived in spite of what was surely a small total production.1885 F. Besson (London) Echo Cornet
(35399) This is an original echo cornet outfit which was, unfortunately, missing the echo bell. Using parts from "junker" Besson cornets from the same time, plus a reproduction echo bell, I was able to fabricate the new echo attachment shown, which was silver plated to match. It's unusual to see an original clamshell hard case for an echo cornet, and even more unusual in the way that it holds the horn with the echo bell attached. Fabricating the new attachment, while still fitting the original case was a unique challenge.
c1900 Frederick Busch
(1458) Frederick Busch was a small maker located in New York City. He made cornets in several different popular "wraps" of the day. This one is a virtual copy of the Besson. The original bit receiver and leadpipe were cut off at the second valve and replaced with a trumpet receiver. I am presently restoring this cornet.
c1880 George McFadden
(1215)
c1882 George McFadden
(1257) George McFadden was a very small maker of cornets located in Syracuse, NY. From what I've seen, his instruments were of very good quality. Only a handful are currently known to exist, and their serial numbers are all closely grouped, leading me to believe he may have made fewer than 300 total. So far, the Bb cornets fall into 4 known designs, here are two of the earliest. No. 1215 is Bb/A and high pitch. No. 1257 is Bb/A, low pitch, in spite of having a very short 11" bell length. It is also nickel plated, but of very nice quality -- normally nickel plating was a low-end finish option. Note the beautiful coffin case, which is certainly original to the horn, as it closely matches the cases with 3 other McFaddens.
c1860 Graves & Co., Boston, Eb rotary -- two bells. I originally acquired this beautiful Graves Eb rotary cornet with the forward-directed bell
-- but this is removable, by virtue of two thumb screws and a threaded collar on the bell stem. Against all reasonable odds, restoration expert Robb Stewart miraculously found an original "OTS" (over the shoulder) bell for this very instrument (with identical engraving), but alas, it has been broken off halfway down the flare. Robb made a reproduction bell crook, and grafted this to the original bell, and the seam is barely discernable. He also had to make the associated mounting brackets, finger hook and lyre holder. The quality if phenomenal! I'll take more pictures soon.
1879 August Pollmann Rotary (none)
An inexpensive ($15.00 in 1879) imported string operated rotary cornet as sold by Pollman, of New York CIty. This was a "rescue" project -- I found this in nearly destroyed condition for not much money. The restoration was begun by Rich Ita several years ago (prior to my learning to do dent removal) with key repair and replacement done recently by Robb Stewart. I just did "finish and detailing" work to it. An interesting aspect to this cornet is that it was in Bb naturally (high pitch), but (according to the Pollmann catalog) came furnished with additional crooks to drop it into A, Ab and G. Note that this system required a special wide shank cornet mouthpiece (nearly the same as a trumpet). This was to eliminate the need for a shank to play in Bb. Shanks were only required for lower keys, unlike the French system which required a shank even for Bb. Mechanically, this system has advantages. Early Conns came the closest to this idea, requiring only a very short bit for Bb. I found a couple of pigtail crooks in my parts bin which I modified for Ab and G, and I've photographed the cornet set up for both. My guess is that for "A" a straight shank was used.
c1905 Courtois Arban Model Echo adaptation (now completed) OK, so I'm on an echo bell cornet kick right now. My success in making a repro Indian Echo Bell cornet playable (see below) made me think
about trying to adapt the repro echo attachment to a vintage cornet of good quality. For this project I selected a very beat up Courtois Arban cornet which had severe denting and 3 split crooks beyond
repair. In other words, I felt it would never be a good enough collectible to warrant restoration. After adapting and combining the old and new components, it was sent off for a valve refit and silver
plating. To my surprise, the echo bell was in tune with the standard bell without changing the attachment slide at all. Special thanks to Mark Metzler for modifying the fourth valve top and bottom caps to
more closely resemble the Courtois profile, a really nice touch.
2004 Indian Echo Bell Cornet (reproduction)
This is an inexpensive brass reproduction echo cornet as seen frequently on Ebay. I purchased this as an experiment, and eventual gift to my daughter, a a beggining trumpeter. As received, it was virtually unplayable. I spent nearly 3 days in my shop repairing leaks, unsoldered joints and barely-functional valves, after which it was surprisingly playable and a lot of fun. Another note: these are built to "high pitch" and will require a longer shank to play in modern (A=440 Hz) pitch. While not a "do it yourself project" for everybody, for those with above average repair skills, a great way to learn about these seldom-seen and expensive cornets.
1913 Meredith Open Tone Cornet, Model 4 (2768) Constructed soon after Meredith's 1912 patent was granted at the end of that year, this is a Model 4, in high or low pitch Bb. It has the additional
engraving U.S.Q.M.C. (United States Quartermasters Corps) indicating it to be former military instrument. It was in near-junk condition when I got it. Before restoration1907 Meredith Open Tone Cornet, Model 5 (XX99A1) Probably constructed during Meredith's first year of operation, this Model 5 has the neat push rods on the first and third slides to aid in converting from
Bb to A. It would also have had an alternate tuning slide with a Bb/A rotary valve as well. c1890 J. Higham (presumed) Echo cornet
(no serial) This rare echo cornet is totally without engraving of any kind, yet is identical to a known Higham echo cornet. The removable echo attachments are different between the two horns, however. This came directly to me from England.
Before Restoration. Known Higham echo cornet
(bell serial 34528) for comparison1880 C.G. Conn "Besson Model" Bb/A
(2029) Evidently part of the Perfection First Class line, which included copies of famous European makers' cornets, this seems closest to being a Besson Model, although I'm not positive. It was restored around 25 years ago, and very well done as total restorations go -- replated silver and overhauled valves.
1882 C.G. Conn "Courtois Model Bb/A
(3796) As early as 1880, Conn offered a variety of "famous maker copy" designs (see the Conn "Besson Model" below), and this design copied the famous Courtois "Arban" model. These were offered at a considerable cost savings over Conn's proprietary designs (such as the "4-in-1", Solo or Vocal models). This cornet is currently being restored and will be completed shortly. The complete outfit included this
nifty C.G. Conn mute, which
sounds like a Harmon butr seems to be more open blowing. Before Restoration.
1879 C.G. Conn "4-in-1"
(8XX) This belongs to a collector friend; I just finished doing some repairs and spot silver plating to areas worn through to brass. This design is the basis for the 1878 Conn Dupont patent, and can be played in four keys: Eb, C, Bb and A. All of the original pigtail crooks and shanks were still with this cornet, so I have photographed it set up for all four keys, in order. Note that the three valve slides are pulled incrementally in addition to the the crook/shank changes.
I am very interested in purchasing a "4-in-1" (any condition) for my own collection, in case you have one or know of one which might be available.1886 C.G. Conn Ultimatum Bb
(12360) This is one of the most amazing restorations you will ever see, and was done by my friend Mark Metzler. This gold plated, presentation-engraved cornet was not only trashed, it was missing nearly all of its removable parts, including all three valve pistons, spring towers, stems, buttoms, and all top & bottom valve caps! Mark machined all of the replacements himself. Note also that the paper-thin bell was badly torn to start, and compare to the final product. After Mark made the reproduction valves, they were plated and fit by Anderson Plating, who also did the gold plating. Not only is this cornet beautiful, but I can attest that it is an amazing player as well.
Before restoration.1895 F. Besson (London) Bb Compensating
(55831). This unusual cornet has two extra valve slides as well as some additional "plumbing." They were usually marketed under the trademark name "Enharmonic" although this example is not labeled as such. I've just completed its restoration in my shop.
Before restoration. During restoration
.c1875 Lehnert C/Bb Rotary
(no serial) This silver plated side-action rotary valve cornet has just completed its restoratoin. Mechanically it was in very good shape, although the bell and leadipe were extensively dented, and it was missing the mouthpiece receiver.
Before restoration.
c1875 Besson "Modele Francais" (13943) This example came to me in above average condition and had a nice comlete outfit with nearly all the accessories present. Pictured with key of A
pigtail shank.c1900 P. Frederick, Philadelphia (2230) This is a nice quality copy of the Besson design. Frederick trained under Lehnert.
Boston "1879 Patent" Model, C & Bb (no serial) This is a really unusual
instrument from the famous Boston Musical Instrument Manufactory which combines rotary valves with conventionally positioned finger buttons. This was one of the most awful "basket case" restorations I've ever
attempted, and I was only able to take it so far. Several parts, including slide crooks, tuning slide, and some of the rotary valve parts were simply missing. Enter expert Robb Stewart, who manufactured
reproductions which are virtually indistinguishable from original. Be sure to check out the "before shots" on this one (and note the components which are missing to start with), as well as the comparison between
this cornet and one from Robb's collection made a just a short time earlier, but with significant and interesting variations in the wrap.
Before restoration 1 Before restoration 2
Comparison between 1878 and 1879 models1875 Fiske Bb
(no serial number) Like the Boston 1879 Patent model, this cornet has rotary valves actuated by buttons, but this time, the buttons are atop pushrods which move through spring towers located in the same position as conventional piston valves. The makes for a very unusual appearance. Fiske made beautiful horns, and was eventually bought out by Conn, becoming their "Worcester" manufacturing facility. This beautiful example is missing the top and bottom covers for the spring towers which will be reproduced by Robb Stewart in the coming months. Happily the button/pushrod assemblies are still present. It also has the original mouthpiece, Bb shank and lyre, a bit unusual.
1935 Buescher "Maestro"
(272963) Buescher was well-known for their saxophones, yet their cornets and trumpets seem to be very high quality. Here's one from the height of the art deco era, with some nifty gold inlaid engraving on the bell. This one required a lot more work to restore than I bargained for. The unique finger hook had to be duplicated, and the leadpipe had to be replaced among other things.
Before restoration
1875 Courtois "Levy's Model"
(9985) Courtois ranked with Besson as one of the premier Frech cornet makers of the 19th century. They tended to be rather austere, usually with no ornamental engraving -- just the considerable text engraving on the bell identifying the model, maker and various awards won by the company. Yet they are beautifully constructed and still admired today as players. After examining one of these cornets, it's hard to see what improvements have been made in the last 125+ years (see
"The French Connection"
article elsewhere on this site).c1905 W. Brown & Sons Echo Bell Cornet
(4320) After several years of collecting, I've finally acquired my first cornet with an echo bell attachment. As the airstream leaves the first valve, it enters a 4th piston valve which, when not depressed, allows the air to exit normally through the conventional bell. When depressed, the airsteam is diverted to a secondary bell which flares only about halfway, before tapering to a very small opening. The sound through this bell is similar to what you'd get with a metal Harmon mute, although maybe a bit quieter and with more resistence. Not too much is known about Brown, a London maker, but the construction is of very nice quality.
1934 Selmer Cornet
(932) I have seen mostly long model Selmer cornets. This seems to be an intermediate design, with some aspects of 19th century cornets, yet with a straight crook and neat art deco design elements.1885 Distin-Boosey Eb Compensating Cornet
(29664 / 31955) Compensating valve systems result in some very unique designs. This is the first Eb I've seen with such a design. Note the offset second valve. The bottom valve covers each have a rotary water valve -- this was a patented feature invented by the same man who invented the compensating valve system for Boosey.
Before Restoration
1892 C.G. Conn American Model Orchestra Cornet
(24122) This is a fairly rare model in the Conn lineup. It had an extra slide which could be pulled to one of three positions, and the main slide could be replaced by the unusual "C" attachment pictured -- thus it could play in C, Bb or A.
1903 Henry Distin "Highest Grade" Cornet (17692/19751) This nice Williamsport, PA example is a copy of the Besson
Desideratum. While it arrived in decent enough shape, it still took 14 hours in my shop to bring it back to the appearance shown. It also has the original outfit (not shown) -- Distin cases of the day remind
me of briefcases. Unfortunately, they don't seem to have withstood the years too well and most look shabby. But a shabby original case is always better than no case at all. 1881 C.G. Conn Bb Cornet
(4774) Here's yet another early unknown Conn model, just acquired. I've just completed its restoration. Conn had some models early on that we have yet to associate with specific designs, as no illustrated literature has turned up from the pre-Wonder era. Model names included "Perfection" and "Ultimatum" -- if you have any early Conn materials that illustrate these or other early models, please contact me.
Before restoration
1880 C.G. Conn "Superior First Class" Eb
(2XXX) This rare, early Conn Eb belongs to a friend, and I am currently restoring it for him. The model name has only recently been confirmed by period catalog, although it is engraved on the bell. The first pictures show the condition as acquired. Click here to see
how it started. Click here to see it all apart
. After most of the repair work was done, I sent it off for a valve refit, after which I will replated the bare brass areas, and restored the gold trim as well. 1880 C.G. Conn "Besson Model" Bb
(34XX) Only recently identified as one of the "copy model" designs Conn made as early as 1880. They also had "Distin" and "Courtois" models. These were priced sigificantly lower than their proprietary designs. While raw brass, there is evidence of prior silver plating, probably a single layer as opposed to their optional "triple plated" finish of the time.
Before restoration
1875c Hall & Quimby (Boston) Bb/A Rotary (no serial) This cornet was made in Boston, during the immediate post-Civil War period, and is
constructed entirely of nickel-silver, which was referred to as "German Silver" in catalogs of the period. before restoration
1880 Distin-Boosey & Co. Eb "Miniature" cornet
(25482 bell, 25147 valves) I've been informed by a knowledgeable source that Boosey didn't use the term "pocket" to decribe these models, choosing to call them "miniature" instead. It is only 7.5" in length without a shank inserted. I've just finished restoring this little soprano cornet in my shop, and you can see before and after shots.
before restoration1887 C.G. Conn Parlor Model
now restored
(13,XXX) This belongs to a good friend and is finally restored -- a joint effort by Rich Ita and myself. These are very rare, and I was amazed to find that this example, in its original condition, was a great player. Here are shots of the
horn as it arrived
, then the project in-progress and then, nearly completed except for spot silver and gold plating. The title link shows it after restoration.1935 H.N. White King "Silvertone" (178,1XX) King made the famous Silvertone for many
years -- this was like the Master model, except that the bell was solid sterling silver. The horn was available in eight levels of finish ranging from plain lacquer, all the way up to this example -- gold plated
body, with extensive engraving on nearly all surfaces, and gold inlay within the bell engraving. This was an expensive proposition -- $250.00 during the height of the depression (the base model Silvertone was just
$135.00), so it reasons that few were made at this level of finish.
1887 F. Besson (Paris) "Etoile"
(34,4XX) Early French cornets had the bell on the right side of the valve cluster. This example has its origianl coffin case and all the accessories, including several key change shanks. The finish is raw brass and it is presently unrestored.
1907 Conn "Wonderphone" C/Bb/A number 1 model (103,1XX) This is a really cute little horn, just 11" in length, which plays amazingly well. Considering that Conn only made Wonderphones over the span of a few
years, I'm surprised at all the different variations that exist. There were two main models, then many sub-models.1966 Conn 5A "Victor" short model (K000XX) The 5A was a seldom-seen short model cornet that has nothing
in common with the famous 80A Victor. In fact, the design is the same as the first model Wonderphone from around 1907 (see above). Additionally, this example is satin silver with gold bell wash -- something
Conn rarely did in the 60's.Gautrot "Marquet" c1885 The Marquet was a high quality model from this prolific French maker. Note all the additional tuning crooks to put the horn into a number of different keys.
The cornet is very lightweight and very high construction quality.
1917 Conn "New Wonder Vocal" C/Bb/A (146,6XX) This variation of the New Wonder had a rotary valve in place of the micro-tuner, which
allowed switching from C to Bb. By pulling various slides, it could be brought down to A as well. An additional set of slides allowed playing in either high or low pitch.c1880 C.G. Conn "Clear Bore Vocal"
C/Bb/A (22XX) I recently restored this very early Conn, but as you can see from the "before" shots, it didn't need too much – mostly repair to extensive silver wear in the areas where held. The valves seal very well, and it plays very nicely. The "A" extension is missing, but can still be set up in "C" by removing the "ladder" extension on the leadpipe. The cornet was evidently made for ALFRED A. REID -- can anybody shed any light on Mr. Reid? My research has come up empty.
before restorationc1905 John Heald
(25XX) Note the unique thumb activated water key trigger
1883 C.G. Conn C/Bb/A Cornet
(80XX) A very early Conn in my collection. Surprisingly, the valves still seal well enough to be a good player. This required a fair amount of dent removal (before repair shots)
, and it appears to have been replated many years in the past.
1898 J.W. Pepper Pocket Cornet
(11,8XX) Any truly vintage pocket cornet is a fairly rare item and this is the first in my collection. This example was imported by Pepper for sale in the U.S. and was quite inexpensive – under $20 at a time when a Conn was around three times that much. This Pepper required quite a bit of restoration as can be seen in the
"before" and "during" photographs.
c1895 George McFadden Cornet
(23XX) McFadden had a small factory in Syracuse, located in upstate New York, far from the usual centers of instrument construction of the time. Note the unusual vertical double water key arrangement. This cornet required extensive repairs
(before shots).
During Repair1939 York Band Instruments "Airflow" Cornet (121,4XX) The rare "Airflow" model was available in both cornet and trumpet, and rates as one of the most unusual production models ever made in the USA. At a
glance, it looks like the horn is on its side, with the valves vertical. At first glance the bell appears to be "rimless" like the Conn Vocabell – but it has a flattened rim turned to the inside of the bell!
During Repair 1929 F.E. Olds "Hammered Bell" Trumpet
(60X) Yes, you read right, a trumpet! But you know it must be a nice one for me to make an exception in my otherwise all-cornets web site. This was made during the first year that Olds made trumpets, and must be one of the first made with the distintive hammered finish on the bell. Later, this would become standard on the Olds Military model trumpet and cornet, and an available option on other models as well. I continue to search for a Military model cornet.
1911 H.N. White "King" Improved Vocal Model (11,0XX). Here is the early shepherd's crook version of the C/Bb/A cornet that White would make for years to come in a straight-crooked version.1882 Henry Distin, Philadelphia
(10X) This is a very early Distin, and has beautiful extensive engraving on nearly all surfaces. 1887 Conn Wonder
(12,2XX) This is one of the earliest Wonder's I've seen, and is in Bb. Hard to see, but noteworthy, is the John Heald patent thumb trigger water key. Heald worked for Fiske before starting his own company, and Conn bought out Fiske.
before restoration 1909 Conn Wonderphone
(115,2XX) This is the fourth Wonderphone in my collection, and all four are different in one respect or another, which is interesting cosidering how very few Wonderphones were made by Conn. This is also one of the highest serial numbered Wonderphones yet found. It was in very nice shape as found and only needed repairs to the main tuning slide to look like this.
1936 C.G. Conn 26A "Director"
(309,8XX) Most people don't know that prior to World War 2, the Director cornet was actually a pro model which cost the same as the famed 80A Victor. First produced around 1930, the large bore 26A had a micro tuning adjustment like the Victor, but in a different location. Considering the sheer number of instruments produced by Conn during the 1930's, these are very rare.
before restoration
1930 C.G. Conn 26 "Director" (279,8XX)
This is the earliest 26A I've seen so far, and is gold plated with extensive art deco engraving all the way around the bell and down its full length. This model had slightly "taller" proportions than the mid-30's version shown above. Unfortunately, it was poorly repaired & resoldered at some point in its life. I just finished the repairs, and it turned out well.
before restorationc1900 Antoine Courtois "Levy's Model" (200XX)
c1875 Boston Musical Instrument Manufactory, "Band Size" Bb rotary, side action (no serial)
before restoration
/ during restoration
1886 C.G. Conn, Worcester, Mass. "Wonder"
(12,5XX) This very early Wonder was built to play in C, Bb, and A at the old Fiske plant in Worcester, and does not include the usual "Elkhart" engraving found on most early Wonders. The restoration included reapplying gold to the details and bell engraving.
(before restoration, with side-by-side comparison to a typical early
Elkhart/Worcester Wonder)circa 1860 Graves & Co., Boston, Eb Bugle (no serial) All nickel silver, string-operated
rotary valves. Bell detatches by removing two thumb screws and unscrewing a sleeve at the third valve. Pictured with it is a Pollman, New York Bb Rotary Cornet, still in progress.1890 John Heald (no serial)
Note the unique thumb activated water key trigger (before repairs)
1907 Boosey & Co. Acme Model (978XX bell, 751XX valves) Note the Christmas presentation engraving.1900 Henri Lefevre Cornet
(nickel, no serial) This cornet was the first project of University of Florida student Scott Knight, which I assisted him with. (before repairs)1911 Frank Holton "Couturier Model" 12,8XX (gold plated) (before repairs) 1907 Boosey & Co. "Solbron" Class A (long model) 739XX 962XX1910 F. Besson (London) Echo Bell Cornet (reproduction/conversion) An Echo Cornet has a second bell, that provides an
instantaneous muted effect when you press the 4th valve down! This truly amazing instrument started life as an ordinary fixed-leadpipe Bb
Besson cornet, which was converted into an "echo bell" cornet by utilizing a combination of newly-manufactured parts and cleverly scavenged vintage parts. The cornet is owned by Jules Prosser of England who did
this beautiful work as a project "at University." Here are the details on how the work was accomplished.
Original echo bell cornets are very rare and highly prized by collectors. (photos by
Peter Prosser) 1900 H.N. White "The King" Slide Cornet 8XX
1890 J. W. Pepper Maker, Superior First Class 61XX (after repairs) (before repairs)
(probably made by Henry Distin) 1946 C.G. Conn 80A Victor 360,8XX1935 F. Besson (Paris) Concertiste 88,4XX (after repair) (before repair)
1918 C.G. Conn - New Wonder Victor Bb/A 165,7XX
Additional shots of the bell engraving
Before Restoration
Shots of this project in progress
This cornet has extensive engraving by Conn's master engraver, Julius Stenberg which extends the full length of the bell, as well as inside the bell.
1906 C.G. Conn - Connqueror rare C/Bb/A model 96,2XX
Side-by-side comparison to the usual Bb/A model which is larger1968 F.E. Olds - Opera 630,1XX (second version) 1905 Buescher Bb/A 59XX
Details of airpath and slide limit rod arrangement
Restoration process for this cornet1949 Martin Committee Trumpet (goldplated, entirely engraved, incredible!) William H. Faust Collection 1961 F.E. Olds - Opera
333,1XX (first version) 1918 E.A. Couturier Bb/A Cornet (gold) 11XX (rare, early Elkhart-made example)
1962 C.G. Conn 9A Victor Coprion (short model) 954,4XX 1908 C.G. Conn Wonderphone 107,9XX (version 2, gold plated)1896 Lyon & Healy - Champion
(no serial number) Repair Shop1914 H.N. White "King" - Improved Perfecto #2A 14,5XX (gold plated)
1894 Henry Distin - Superior Highest Grade After dentwork & polishing 123XX (valves) 113XX (bell)1904 Boston Musical Instrument Company - NE Plus Ultra Three-Star 16,6XX1908 Frank Holton - New Proportion
(short) 51XX1907 C.G. Conn - Perfected Wonder 101,0XX with unusual Bb/A conversion mechanism1908 C.G. Conn Wonderphone
106,0XX (version 1) Repair Shop1902 Buescher C/Bb/A 34XX
Restoration Process for this cornet1910 Harry B. Jay - Columbia Bb Cornet 5XX1913 Meredith - Open Tone
(short) 27XX Repair Shop
1890 Gautrot Bb/A
(none)1925 Harry B. Jay - Columbia "Vocal" Cornet C/Bb/A 79XX (restoration by Rich Ita's Brass Instrument Workshop) 1978 F.E. Olds - A-6S Ambassador Short Shepherd's Crook A35,1XX Note: this is a factory-built professional cornet, which was originally made for export to
Wales. The use of the name Ambassador may seem confusing, but was selected as being more appropriate for the English market, as in "British Ambassador". The design had nothing to do with the popular student
instrument NEW!
Conn Factory Photos & IllustrationsNEW! Conn Cornet Photo Postcards
Information on the instruments of Vincent Bach
by Roy Hempley and Dough Lehrer
Note the new button on the lower right, which will take you to a new home page for Bach Information. This article is the first of several to come.NEW!
"The Cornet Compendium: History and Development of the 19th Century Cornet" by Richard I. Schwartz.
Find out more about this fact-packed new book! Jeff Stockham CollectionSpot silver and gold brush plating Live Jazz! Arrange to have the Nick DeCarlis and the Classic American Jazz Orchestra perform at your social occasion. From trio to sextet, the C.A.J.O. plays the finest standards
ever written. More information
Four Restoration Projects by Robb Stewart In the Repair Shop Repair Shop
See before, during and after pictures of cornets which were repaired and restored! The French Connection
By Niles Eldredge
Learn about the evolution of the modern cornet from a real expert on the
subject! This article has great illustrations.
Courtesy of the Historic Brass Society Robb Stewart Collection – Page 2
Here are some amazing new photos from Robb's collection.Bobby Hackett's Glenn Miller Orchestra attache case
This leather case was given to Bobby by Glenn Miller at Christmas 1941, just weeks after Bobby recorded his legendary "String of Pearls" solo. Bobby gave it to
his brother-in-law in 1975, shortly before his untimely death. It contained the three performance contracts shown, only one of which was signed by Bobby. |
