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Cornet, B-flat, A, low pitch

Maker F. E. Olds & Son

Date1935-1936 ca.

Place MadeLos Angeles, California, United States, North America

ModelMilitary

Serial No.2510

SignedEngraved on bell: [eagle] / MADE BY / F. E. OLDS / & SON. / OLDS / LOS - / ANGELES / - CAL. / MILITARY MODEL
MarkingsStamped on right side of second valve casing, spring barrels and interior of valve caps: 2510
Stamped on left side of second valve casing: LM
Stamped on valve casings, caps and stems, respectively: 1, 2, 3
DescriptionLacquered brass, nickel-silver fittings, mother-of-pearl finger buttons, double loop in double S-formation, main tuning slide (first bow), quick-change to A with adjustable finger ring (third bow), fixed leadpipe, three Périnet valves (1, ½, 1½), first valve trigger with adjustable thumb-hook, top-sprung, spring outside hollow stem, alignment by two equal lugs on spring anchor plate (one marked X), nickel-silver pistons, curved single water keys (main tuning slide, quick-change slide and third-valve slide), windway 3-2-1.

The Military Cornet is described in Olds catalogs of the 1930s as follows: “Designed especially for those who prefer the voice of a cornet with the appearance and balance of a trumpet, this long, racy model instrument appeals to all classes of players. The hand-hammered bell adds brilliancy of tone with dazzling beauty and the surprisingly light response and extreme flexibility of this model make it almost as easy playing as a trumpet, yet retaining the full beauty of the richer and less penetrating cornet tones.” This cornet model was available in small (S), medium (M), large medium (LM) and large bore (L). The sound qualities of the LM bore, the present cornet, is characterized as “A cornet with colorful flexibility of tone, richer and more sonorous, yet retaining a remarkably easy attack. Especially desirable for band work.” The price for the standard hand-hammered bell, Finish 1, polished brass with nickel-silver trimming, tuning slide, braces and engraving was $135.00. However, a note in the catalog states: “Can be supplied in plain bell model to special order at $10.00 less than above prices.” The present instrument is, therefore, a simplified version of the Military Cornet, lacking the hand-hammered bell and the engraving.
DimensionsHeight: 439 mm
Tube length: 1342 mm (B-flat)
Bore diameter (initial, minimum, valve slides): 10.1 mm, 8.5 mm, 11.5 mm (0.453 inches)
Bell diameter: 112 mm
ProvenancePurchased in 1990 from a San Diego pawn shop, San Diego, California.
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. 141-42, 281.

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

Object number07027

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