Cornet, B-flat, A, low pitch
Date1911
Place MadeBoston, Massachusetts, United States, North America
ModelThree Star Ne Plus Ultra
Serial No.19419
SignedEngraved on bell: A (above shield) / 1 (surrounded by three five-pointed stars) / NE PLUS ULTRA. / Made / by the / BOSTON / Musical Instrument / COMPANYMarkingsEngraved on second valve casing: 19419 / A.
Stamped on valve stems and largest guide lug, respectively: 1, 2, 3
DescriptionSilver-plated brass, double loop, main tuning slide with screw-on ring for key change to A (second bow), second tuning slide (third bow), fixed leadpipe with tuning bit, three Périnet valves (1, ½, 1½), top-sprung, spring inside hollow stem, alignment by three unequal lugs on spring anchor plate, pistons nickel-plated brass, single water key (first bow), windway 3-2-1.
Silver tuning bit.
With the “Three Star” line, the Boston Musical Instrument Company became one of the leading producers of band instruments in the late 1880s. This line was continued until the early twentieth century. While earlier three star cornets had removable shanks for B-flat and A, the present instrument is a later model with fixed leadpipe. The pitch change from B-flat to A is achieved by extending the main tuning slide until it is stopped by a screwed-on ring. This construction seems to be a simplified version of US patent no. 417,671, from December 17, 1889.
DimensionsHeight: 341 mm
Tube length: 1309 mm, 1337 mm (B-flat, without and with bit), 1383 mm (A)
Bore diameter (initial, minimum, tuning slides, valve slides): 9.5 mm, 9 mm, 11.7–11.9 mm, 12 mm (0.472 inches)
Bore diameter (tuning bit, initial, minimum): 9.4 mm, 7.9 mm
Bell diameter: 118 mm
ProvenancePurchased from Steve Dillon, Woodbridge, New Jersey, 1988.
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. 82-83, 277.
Credit LineJoe R. and Joella F. Utley Collection, 1999
Object number06948
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