Greetings! I offer this B-flat cornet marked "MADE BY / C.G. CONN / ELKHART / IND.". Serial number 134536 indicates production in 1914. “L” stamp on 2nd valve casing indicates Large Bore. Construction is silverplate over brass. This was Conn’s top-of-the-line cornet in 1914, with its large bore providing a powerful sound. It is fitted with its low-pitch slides only. It would have originally come in a case with a set of alternate slides for High Pitch (A=456), as well as a Conn short-shank mouthpiece, lyre, valve wiper rod, and grease tin. These are NOT present—you are buying the instrument only, exactly as pictured..
CONDITION: Fair/good overall. The original silverplated finish appears to be about 100% intact, with no losses in the touch areas. The finish is heavily tarnished, and will require polishing with a good crème sliver polish such as Wright’s or Goddard’s. All slides pull, all caps turn. The valves have good action although they show plating wear and have moderate blow-by. These 3rd valve stem has been replaced with a correct Conn stem; I’ll include the original broken stem if you want to take a stab at repairing it. There are dings, some dents on the bell bow, and the mouthpipe/receiver area is a bit banged up. This instrument requires a short-shank, deep-V mouthpiece such as a Conn Model 18 to play in tune. A modern Bach cornet mouthpiece is too long and will cause the horn to play flat. The instrument will need to be cleaned and re-lubricated; I think it will clean up quite nicely. The instrument is sold AS-IS, AS-FOUND, with no warranties. See pictures. WYSIWYG.
PLAYING QUALITIES: It plays surprisingly well, considering the age and condition. NOTE that I make no representations made about its suitability for your intended use.
ACCESSORIES: None. See pictures; WYSIWYG.
SHIPPING: NO INTERNATIONAL SALES! Insured shipping WITHIN THE CONTINENTAL US ONLY via USPS will be $25. Located in Syracuse NY. BUYER IS WELCOME TO PICK UP THE ITEM AND PAY UPON PICKUP.
NOTE: I will sell only to the final recipient/end user. I WILL NOT sell to 3rd-Party buyers/reshippers. NO EXCEPTIONS. 3rd Party buyers/reshippers will have their bids cancelled and their user IDs blocked.
THE STRAIGHT DOPE: This classic Conn Circus Bore cornet has the potential to become a respectable instrument with some TLC, and would be a good starter horn for a collection. It is sold AS-IS. All sales FINAL unless I determine that I significantly misrepresented it. I'll be happy to answer any questions about the instrument itself. Thanks for looking and good luck bidding!
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I do my utmost to honestly and accurately describe and picture my items. The pics tell the story. Message me with questions prior to auction close, I'll gladly answer. If you want to phone, message me for my number. All you nice honest folks out there, thanks for looking! Happy Bidding and Good Luck!