Antique Musical Instruments/old brass b-flat cornet

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Expert: - 4/19/2010


Question

B-Flat Cornet Trumpet
A friend of mine came to me with his grandfathers old cornet and asked me to clean it up for him, considering I have a short lived history with brass instruments. The bell reads, The Harwood Professional. J.W. Jenkins Sons Music CO. Kansas City M.O. It seems to bein great condition, other than sitting for who knows how long, and acquiring a bit of discolor. He is curious of course, as now am I. Any idea on possible history of the company, date and origin of this instrument? Along with your thoughts in servicing this instrument for preservation?

Thank you
cheers,

-Ian Bottomley

Answer



Te original company founded as J.W.Jenkins Co., and succeeded by J.W. Jenkins Sons. (John Woodward Jenkins died in 1890) The company was an all-around retailer of anything musical including violins, and novelty instruments, such as the Frisco slide whistle.

1903 J. W. Jenkins Sons Music Cos Complete Catalogue of Band Instruments shows a photo of their store at 1013 and 1015 Walnut St. Kansas City, Mo. The window display shows Steinway Pianos and Vose Pianos. The catalogue list York & Sons full line. Showing the Monarch and the Professional Cornets. Also lists a Valve Trombone. Catalogue also lists Gomat & co, August Henem, Courtois and The Leeder Mouthpieces. They state that they are makeing the Leeder now. There is also a photo of their factory it shows men polishing up guitars and other stringed instruments.

In the 20s and 30s they imported Bohland and Fuchs which the put under the Trade Name of Harwood. American Capital instruments were imports and were sold by Jenkins. According to a catalog from the 1930s, Jenkins sold a variety of brands, including Karl Schubert (tradename for Czechoslovakianimports), American Capital (also a tradename for imports), Bohland and Fuchs, Pan American (and Cavalier).  
    Questioner's Rating
    Rating(1-10)Knowledgeability = 10Clarity of Response = 10Politeness = 10
    CommentThank you for your speedy reply. I am sure my friend will be excited to here about the origin of his grandfathers cornet. cheers


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Kenton Scott

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Please note: My area is BRASS instruments, not other wind, string or percussion instruments. I will provide information on antique, obscure and out of production BRASS instruments. 1) Please don't ask for evaluations, I'll not provide them on this site. 2) I am often asked very similar questions, so I'd invite you to first check on Horn-u-Copia.net. Much of the information I have garnered about this topic, I have posted on this WEB site.

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I perform in several historical bands, have informally researched the area, repair brass instruments, and operate a Forum dedicated to the topic at http://horn-u-copia.net

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B.S. Ed, M.S.

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