Images(5)

Cornet, B-flat

Distributor Emile Mennesson

Makerattr. Couesnon & Cie

Date1900 ca.

Place DistributedReims, France, Europe

Place MadeParis, France, Europe

Serial No.none

SignedStamped on bell: EMILE MENNESSON / 10 RUE CARNOT / REIMS
MarkingsStamped on second valve casing: G
Stamped on receiver: A D
Stamped on valve casings and caps, respectively: 1, 2, 3
DescriptionNickel-plated brass, double loop, main tuning slide at second bow, removable shank (B-flat), three Périnet valves (1, ½, 1½), bottom-sprung, modèle français, windway W 1-2-3.

Nickel-plated B-flat tuning shank; unsigned silver cornet mouthpiece (not original); nickel-plated lyre.

Emile Jean Mennesson (b. 1841) is listed from 1892-1893 as holder of a magazine (shop) of pianos and violins at 10 rue Tapissiers in Reims. From 1911-1912, the magazine E. Mennesson, E. Fortin successor, is located at 10 rue Carnot. While Mennesson acted as dealer, it is very likely that Gautrot aîné (by that time owned by Couesnon & Cie) is the actual maker of this cornet. This can be conjectured from the letter “G” stamped on the second valve casing, and some decorative features, such as the shape of the valve slide knobs and the outer slide stabilization rings. The present cornet is not only unusual in having two shepherd’s crook bows, but also in having a very short leadpipe, leading directly into the first valve.
DimensionsHeight: 326 mm
Tube length: 1241 mm, 1321 mm
Bore diameter (initial, minimum, main tuning slide, valve slides): 11.9 mm, 9.6 mm, 10.9 mm, 10.7 mm
Bore diameter (shank, initial, minimum): 9.8 mm, 9 mm
Bell diameter: 118 mm
ProvenancePurchased from André Bissonnet, Paris, France, 1987.
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. 51-52, 267.

Credit LineJoe R. and Joella F. Utley Collection, 1999

Object number06885

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