Expert: Kenton Scott - 4/22/2008

Question
I recently found an old cornet that had belonged to my great, great uncle and was given to my father.  Unfortunately, it has been damaged since coming under my father's care and furthermore, though we did originally have it and knew where it was up till last year, the forked waterkey that was with it has gone missing.  I am unable to find any pictures of similar instruments because, though the instrument does have the same engravings, etc of the others, this instrument also has a wheel that, when turned, changes the instruments key from B flat to A, or vice-versa.  The major damage, besides dents and two crude patches of some lead on the tubing, includes the soddering having come one of pair of tubes one of the slides went into, i.e. the tubes and slide are off together, and the metal has cracked for approximately an inch along the rim of the bell.  My questions are, first of all, would you happen to know of any further information regarding this instrument model, and second, where would you recommend getting the cornet restored and repaired (and I do fear that I will have to get a new forked waterkey fabricated...unfortunately)?

Answer
At one time the split water key was a pretty common configuration, but today, about the only way to get one is to find one on a similar parts horn, or fabricate it.  I've not seen any Standards with the opera glass tuners on them.

As far as repairs, I can't make any recommendations, but one other thing that you haven't mentioned is the condition of the valves.  The price tag for getting this horn refurbished is going up, and you probably want to look at everything before deciding to put up the money.