Expert: Kenton Scott - 8/24/2007

Question
My son was giving a cornet years ago. I'm trying to find out when it was made and if it is worth anything. the writing on the cornet says. The Bandmaster class A 29278 Made by Salvationist Publishing

Answer
I can give you a general history of the company.

Starting around 1884 the Salvation Army began as a dealer selling other makers’ brass instruments.  They opened a repair shop in in 1889 at 96 Southwark St. By 1890, they started building instruments from parts purchased from other makers. In 1893, they brought out "Our Own Make" instruments, and became a full fledged maker.

From 1890 to 1896 the brass shop was located at 98, 100, and 102 Clerkenwell Rd., London. In 1896 they moved to 79, 81 Fortess Rd., London, until 1901. The address was stamped on the bell of these instrument.  (Serial 5,049 comes from this period).  In 1901 the SA opened a factory for instrument making in St. Albans. This factory was called the Campfield Musical Instrument Works.

Offerings for the student market included models including: Herald, Jubilee, Reliance, Endurance (French import) and Congress. Limited production models included: Special Congress, Festival, Fanfare and Deluxe. The primary student model was the “Gold Medal” which became the “Triumph”. The “Triumphonic” models were added in 1914, and continued in production until the factory closed.

The instruments were first made in high pitch.  But they also made low pitch instruments at least as far back as 1926.  They continued making high pitched instruments until 1964.

The St. Albans factory was in operation until 1972, when it was sold to Boosey and Hawkes. (Last instrument in 1972 was Serial# 34283).  Boosey & Hawkes continued to make the top of the line, “Bandmaster” cornet and “Triumphonic” tenor horn until 1979 when no more Salvation Army instruments were made.