BOOSEY & Co. SOLBRON CLASS A CORNET SILVER PLATED 1911-1916 - S

This instrument is a BOOSEY & Co. "SOLBRON CLASS A" CORNET in Eb, SILVER PLATED. It actually has two serial numbers. 68051 S and 86236. Having the serial number 68051 S indicates it was likely manufactured around 1909-1911, before the formal merger that created Boosey & Hawkes. This places it in the vintage or antique category. 

It was standard practice for Boosey & Co. to manufacture components in separate batches:

·68051 S (Valve Block Number): This number is found on the side of the valve casing and indicates when the valve assembly was built—in this case, around 1909-1911.

·86236 (Instrument Serial Number): This number is engraved on the bell. It was assigned when the instrument was assembled and finished, which occurred around 1914-1916. 

·The "Class A Solbron" was professional-grade, high-quality model of its era. The term "Solbron" or "Silbron" refers to a specific alloy of silver and bronze used for components like the valves to reduce friction.

·Pitch:  Such vintage instruments were often designed to play at "high pitch" (HP) rather than the modern "international pitch" (IP or modern low pitch Bb). Converters (crooks or different length lead pipes) were used to change the pitch, and the presence of an "S" in the serial number usually denotes "Sharp" or high pitch, a common practice in that era. This horn does have the adjustable lead pipe.

This horn is in very good condition. The photos show there are some light scratches and a very small dent. All slides operate fine as do the valves. It appears that the case that is included could be the original. The mouthpiece has only the letter C inscribed.

It is priced at $1200.00 with the mouthpiece and case included.