Expert: Kenton Scott - 11/18/2009

Question
QUESTION: I have a Holten-Clarke model trumpet/cornet.  It was given to me by my grandfather when I began playing.  That was in 1950.  The serial number is H-C 62273.  Can you tell me anything of it's history?  My grandson is now playing it as a junior in high school.  He has a new and very nice trumpet which his instructor wants him to play and I can understand the rational but would like to know if there is any unusual history to my instrument.
Thank you for your assistance.

ANSWER: Well, depending on what the shiny new one is, and the condition of the Holton, it may make sense to stay with the Holton.  In its day it was a professional quality instrument, that dates back to 1925.  Herbert Clarke was a very accomplished and famous soloist with the Sousa band.  He was a strong advocate of the cornet over the trumpet.  His autobiography is available on the internet, and there are a number of recordings available that did with Sousa.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Is there any way I can research the history of my cornet.  My grandfather was from Allegan, MI (Frank Holton was born there and about the same time as my grandfather).  Harold VanderCook also was in Allegan and I took private lessons from him.  He founded the VanderCook School of Music in Chicago where Holton had his factory.  I remember Mr. VanderCook talking about Herbert Clarke and I was playing the Holton Clarke cornet.  These associations may not have any significance but I would like to check it out.  I remember my grandfather telling me the horn was Herbert Clarke's but I figured he meant it was a Clarke model.  I would attach a picture but my grandson has the instrument.
Thanks for you help

Answer
There were a couple of versions, but here is the Shepard's crook version.

http://www.horn-u-copia.net/instruments/Holton/Holton-Cornet-51612.jpg

There is some information on www.horn-u-copia.net, and http://www.holtonloyalist.com/  Your local history society might have information as well.