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Cornet, B-flat
Cornet, B-flat
Cornet, B-flat

Cornet, B-flat

Date1875-1880 ca.
Place DistributedNew York, New York, United States, North America
Place DistributedChicago, Illinois, United States, North America
Place MadeSaxony, Germany
Serial No.none
SignedEngraved on German silver plaque at bell: J. Bauer & Co, / New York, / Chicago Engraved at bell within ribbon: G. M. TimbrellMarkingsStamped on various valve parts: 4, 5, and 6DescriptionGold-lacquered brass with engravings, German silver, double loop, tuning slide at second bow, fixed leadpipe, three top-action string-operated rotary valves (1, ½, 1½), stop arm, spiral-spring return.

The German-born Julius Bauer (1831-1884) was active as piano maker and musical instrument dealer in Chicago from 1853, and in New York from 1868. He entertained an extensive business of European imports. This cornet model with small loop for the tuning slide, a well-known feature in Saxony, was likely manufactured there. The richly engraved ferrules, tubing, and garland, including the floral engravings inside of the bell, were done by jeweler George Mcmanus Timbrell (1857-1922) in New Jersey. This makes it most likely that this instrument was sold out of New York.
DimensionsHeight: 336 mm
Tube length: 1300 mm
Bore diameter (initial, minimum, tuning slide, valve slides): 11 mm, 10 mm, 11.6 mm, 10.9 mm
Bell diameter: 117 mm
ProvenancePurchased in 1985 from Stewart and Lillian Caplin, New York, New York.
Published ReferencesSabine K. Klaus, “German-American Relationships: Immigration and Trade Factors in America Brasswind Instruments during the 19th Century,” in: Laurence Libin (ed.), Instrumental Odyssey. A Tribute to Herbert Heyde. Bucina: The Historic Brass Society Series No. 9 (Hillsdale, New York: Pendragon Press, 2016), p. 95.

Sabine Katharina Klaus, Trumpets and Other High Brass: A History Inspired by the Joe R. and Joella F. Utley Collection. Volume 3: Valves Evolve (Vermillion, SD: National Music Museum, 2017), pp. 208, 228-230, 252-253, 308.


Credit LineJoe R. and Joella F. Utley Collection, 1999
Object number06822
On View
Not on view
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