Expert: Kenton Scott - 12/2/2009

Question
Hi, I hate to bore you with another coronet question, but, I found one and would like to know how old it is.It appears to be sterling silver, and in the original wooden box(only markings on box clasps is B te and underneath that S.C.D. G.) w/red velvet interior.  There is quite a bit of engraved, intricate scrollwork(flowers and bows)on the instrument itself, the only writing is  "John F. Stratton & Co. New York. Not too many coronet experts out there.  Hope you can help.  Thanks, Have a great night!  Amy

Answer
John F. Stratton was a notable manufacturer of instruments during the Civil War. He started making and selling instruments in 1859. He was in partnership with JH Foote from 1864-65. He left the US and made instruments in Germany in 1866, later returning to the US in 1889, as Stratton and Son, until 1895 when that partnership split up. Ceased in 1912.

Without seeing pictures of it, I can't narrow it down any further than that.  If you care to send pictures, send them to Kenton@punxypa.com