Disclaimer-I have no interest in this horn past my promise to the owners to help find it a worthy home. I’m also lack recent experience/knowledge about cornets so the words that follow are merely my opinion, and hardly objective. Some of the information I present to you comes from the sellers based on research that they’ve done, and some comes from knowledgeable members of this forum.
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This horn is the automotive equivalent of a “barn find.” If you’re unfamiliar with the term, it is used in the classic car world to describe a car that has been stored (for years or decades) and thus not subjected to the kind of abuse and neglect that often befalls vehicles when they fall in to unworthy hands.
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I visited the sellers’ home here in the Bay Area and spoke to both the original owner (the father) and his son (who is also a legitimate musician of the highest order) and played the horn myself.
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The cornet is a 1942 King Silvertone Master, purchased new for the father when he was in middle school. It is, as far as I can tell, in 100% original condition. The lacquer has come off in some areas which gives it a beautiful patina, but it appears never to have needed repair. The engraving on the bell is crisp and clear. I recall only one very small ding on one of the tuning slides, but it is otherwise in excellent condition. I recall a couple of the bottom caps being a bit tight but the valves are easily removed and very little (if any) signs of wear. The first valve was a tiny bit sluggish but I don’t think anything past a cleaning is necessary to fix that. The cornet is stored in its original case with a zippered canvas external cover and includes what I believe to be the original mouthpiece and a lyre. I blew some notes through it and it sounds and plays beautifully, even with though I have virtually no time on the mouthpiece I used or knowledge of the proper approach to playing cornet.
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I have no need for a cornet but this horn is such a gem that I and to resist my strong desire to buy it. I’m a sucker for vintage horns, especially examples in such fine condition and with documented history.
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If you’re looking for a vintage cornet with provenance, I don’t believe you’ll find a better example than this one.
Buyer pays shipping from Bay Area. To preserve the horn I'd suggest shipping it separately from the case, but that's up to the buyer. Also due to shipping costs we'll ship to contiguous United States unless buyer is willing to assist with shipping logistics and costs.
Contact me if you're interested and I'll put you in touch with the seller.
-tj
