Cornet, B-flat, A, high pitch / low pitch
Maker
C. G. Conn, Ltd.
Date1921-1922 ca.
Place MadeElkhart, Indiana, United States, North America
ModelVictor New Wonder
Serial No.177913
SignedEngraved on bell: VICTOR / NEW WONDER / C. G. CONN Ltd. / ELKHART / IND.MarkingsStamped on second valve casing: [six-pointed star] / 177913 / PATENTED
Stamped on valve stems and one of the quick-change mechanism bars: 177913
Stamped on outer slide of main tuning slide and high pitch tuning slide: 0
Stamped on valve casings and stems, respectively: 1, 2, 3
DescriptionSilver-plated brass, satin finish with burnished highlights, bell interior gold-plated, mother-of-pearl finger buttons, single loop, main tuning slide with micro-tuning mechanism (perpendicular to main tubing, alternative slides for high pitch / low pitch), quick-change to A (first bow) with push-rod and automated valve-slide tuning mechanism, fixed leadipe, three Périnet valves (1, ½, 1½, alternative high pitch / low pitch valve slides), top-sprung, spring inside hollow stem, alignment by T-shaped and flat lug on spring anchor plate, pistons nickel-plated brass, single water keys (first bow, third-valve slide), windway 3-2-1.
Complete set of additional slides for low pitch (main tuning slide and and all three valve tuning slides), stamped: L.P.
The patent stamp refers to US Patent 1,240,177, filed in 1914 by C. G. Conn, and granted September 18, 1917, for a micro-tuning mechanism, sometimes referred to as the “opera glass tuning device,” due to the similarity of the small wheel in both mechanisms. The second mechanical device found in this cornet consists of a combination of bars connected with the quick-change to A. Operating the quick-change push-rod automatically moves the valve slides to a pre-set length appropriate for the key of A. This construction corresponds with U.S. Patent 828,273, filed on January 8, 1806, by C. G. Conn, and patented on August 7 of the same year.
The six-pointed star stamp on the second valve casing indicates that this cornet was a custom order.
DimensionsHeight: 424 mm
Tube length: 1278 mm (B-flat, HP), 1339 mm (B-flat, LP), 1360 (A)
Bore diameter (initial, minimum, tuning slides, valve slides): 9.8 mm, 8.8 mm, 12.2 mm, 12.2 mm (0.482 inches)
Bell diameter: 116 mm
ProvenancePurchased in 1985 from Jack Silver, Washington D.C.
Published ReferencesSabine Katharina Klaus, Trumpets and Other High Brass: A History Inspired by the Joe R. and Joella F. Utley Collection. Volume 4: The Heydey of the Cornet (Vermillion, SD: National Music Museum, 2022), pp. 103-5, 280.
Credit LineJoe R. and Joella F. Utley Collection, 1999
Object number06837
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