Expert: Kenton Scott - 5/24/2007

Question
QUESTION: I have a C.G. CONN Union Label Cornet. The number on it is
135539. Also on it is MPBP and what looks like BAS* with the union label. Also under that is PATENTED. In another area is HPB. I would like any information about this instrument that is availible including possible value.
Thank you very much,

Mark

ANSWER: It is an old one.  It was made in 1914.  The Conn instruments hold their value pretty well.



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

QUESTION: Thank you Kenton. It is in good condition except for being very tarnished. Do you have a recommended cleaning solution to use. Should i dip it into a solution or use a cloth and go inch by inch? Also can you assist me with an approximate low and high end of its value? Or is there a place i can get a good appraisal of it's value?
Thank you again,

Mark

Answer
The process I use on very tarnished instruments is to first use Tarnx, and then Blue Magic, and then followed up with Haggerty Silver Polish.  Strips of cloth to wrap around the tubes will also help.  It is still a labor intensive process, but it will clean up.  

For value, I would recommend going to completed auctions on eBay and look for similar instruments and what they sold for.