Expert: Kenton Scott - 8/29/2010

Question
I am just trying to get some information on a J.W. Pepper Cornet that I own. The serial number is 29811 and on the Bell it reads: J.W. PEPPER, PERFECTED,PHILADELPHIA, Then the serial number.
Any information you could give me on this would be greatly appreciated. I have, what appears to be the original leather case that is the shape of the horn itself. There is a stamp on the leather that reads: "Trade Mark Warranted" Registered July 1883, and there is a pocket for the mouth piece on the cover end.
I am not sure if this is an "import", or not. What does the "perfected" mean or stand for?
Thank you,
Al Caponigro


Answer
Pepper made some of their own instruments and imported many others.  For a while, he would indicate on the evgraving whether it was one he made or whether it was imported, but he discontinued those markings.  They ceased making their own instruments in 1909.  Your horn probably dates to around the turn of the century.  Pefected appears to simply be a model name, with no particular significance.