Expert: Kenton Scott - 12/2/2009

Question
Hi,

I discovered your website while looking for information on a silver plated cornet that I picked up in an antique shop about 5 years ago. I am a brass player and play it every so often as well as my new-ish yamaha trumpet. I was wondering if you could tell me where I could find any more information on it?
The engraving on it says
The Brilliantone Class A, W. Brown & Sons, band instrument manufacturers, Kennington rd, London
The valves have numbers engraved on them:
Valve 1 (40)
Valve 2 (41, 3)
Valve 3 (42)

I have no idea where to look for the serial number but I've not found it yet!
Thank you so much for your time, you seem like a real brass expert!

Answer
I think I must have answered this question - well, all but hitting the send button.  So, I guess I'll have another go at it!

William Brown company started in 1851 and was in business for at least 100 years.  They were at the Kennington rd address from 1911.  They were noted for making natural to valve French horn conversions.