Expert: Kenton Scott - 6/10/2007

Question
We have a cornet that has "beau ideal chicago"engraved on it. It is silver and brass and has detailed engravings with details at about every curve. It came with a case with two metal clasps and a leather handle. It was my husband great grandfather's and was given to us by his grandmother who is 85. Just curious to see if you may know what year it was made? I do have a picture. Thank-you!

Answer
Beau Ideal was a tradename used by Lyon & Healy of Chicago. Lyon & Healy at the beginning of the 20th century was the largest supplier of musical instruments in the US.  They imported a lot and made a few brass instruments.  Although, we are trying to construct a serial number list for the horns they actually made, they appear to have used more than one list for their other tradenames.  About the only way to get a sense of the age of the instrument would be by identifying some of its characteristic to a certain age.  If you want to send a picture to Kenton@Punxypa.com, I'll see if I can find anything that might indicate its age.