Circa 1920 Brua C. Keefer Silver-Plated Bb/A Rotary-Change Cornet with Case & Slides

Rare circa-1920 silver-plated Bb/A rotary-change cornet made by the Brua C. Keefer Manufacturing Company of Williamsport, Pennsylvania.

Serial number 11558. The valve casing is also stamped “M” and “HP,” indicating medium bore and the period high-pitch designation.

This is not merely a standard Bb cornet. It features Keefer’s rotary quick-change mechanism for switching between Bb and A and includes the corresponding Bb and A slide/crook components shown in the photographs. This versatile multi-key design was an important feature of Keefer’s period cornets and is especially interesting to collectors of early American brass instruments.

The cornet also features ornate floral bell engraving and the especially desirable red-and-white Keefer logo valve-button inserts. The buttons depict the Keefer eagle and cornet design and are among the instrument’s most distinctive features.

The instrument has been professionally cleaned and serviced, including chemical cleaning, dent correction, alignment and valve/slide attention. It plays very well and has a warm vintage cornet sound. There is some air leakage through the valves, which is disclosed for accuracy and affects compression, but the cornet remains quite playable. Please watch the included demonstration video to hear its actual tone, response and playability.

Included are:

• Bb and A slide/crook components
• Maker-marked green-lined fitted case
• Two period mouthpieces
• Music lyre
• Metal mute
• Additional related components shown in the photographs

Condition notes:

• Plays very well, with some valve leakage
• Rotary Bb/A mechanism and multiple slide configuration
• Silver plating shows age-appropriate scratches, wear, tarnish and finish variation
• Bell engraving remains attractive but has natural wear
• Keefer valve-button inserts have visible enamel wear consistent with age
• Case lining, retaining ribbon and fittings show staining, deterioration and age-related wear
• Please examine all photographs closely, as they form an important part of the description

A striking and uncommon example of early American brass-instrument craftsmanship. Its Bb/A rotary system, original-style slide components, special Keefer buttons, period accessories and fitted case make it particularly appealing to a Keefer enthusiast or vintage-brass collector.

The cornet, case and all accessories pictured are included.