King Master Model No. 2 Cornet — c. 1934 — H.N. White Co. — Silver Plate — Medium Bore

This is the real thing. The King Master Model No. 2 was H.N. White’s flagship professional cornet, and this example — serial #175097, dating to approximately 1934 — comes through nearly a century looking like it still means business.

The Horn

Silver plate over brass, medium bore, with the full Art Deco bell engraving that makes these cornets instantly recognizable: “KING / MASTER MODEL / Made by The H.N. White Co. / Cleveland Ohio” surrounded by geometric crosshatch and diamond work. The engraving is crisp and reads well. Gold wash bell interior is lovely. Mother-of-pearl valve buttons are present and intact.

Condition is honestly good. There are a few minor pings around the bell elbow — typical for a horn this age and nothing structural. Light scratches and nicks throughout, some silver plate wear at touch points. Nothing that detracts from a player or a display piece.

Slides pull with a satisfying pop and valves move freely and feel responsive. I cleaned the horn up and it plays well as-is, though I can’t speak to when it was last professionally serviced — buyer should factor that in accordingly.

∙ Maker: H.N. White Co., Cleveland, Ohio

∙ Model: King Master Model No. 2

∙ Serial: 175097 (~1934)

∙ Bore: Medium

∙ Finish: Silver plate, gold wash bell interior

∙ Length: ~16.5 inches | Bell: 4⅝ inches

Included

A vintage Roth cornet mouthpiece is included — a nice period-appropriate bonus.

The Case

Original case. Burgundy velvet interior is clean and intact — no odor. Exterior shows its age: one latch is missing, the other latches but doesn’t pop up, and one end has some separation that would clean up easily with contact cement or adhesive vinyl. Still a solid, functional case that adds to the presentation.