Expert: Kenton Scott - 5/17/2006

Question
I have a Grand Rapids Instrument company Shepards crook Cornet that from my studies was made between 1906 and 1907. It carries the serial number of 15788. It is in good to excellent condition and I have been told by several local shops that I have a rare find on my hands. It has the original mouthpiece and extra slide piece as well and the original wood box that it came in. It has the eagle engraved on the horn and I can provide pictures if you would like to see them. The keys all work, but could probably use a bit of oil. I am interested in selling it. I am trying to gather as much information on it as possible before selling it to see a true value and try to find a buyer that would appreciate this rare find.
I look forward to your response.
Thank you,
Trent L.
Boise, Idaho

Answer
Trent,

How were you able to determine a manufacture date for this instrument?

Grand Rapids was a subsidary company of York.  My first thought would be that its value probably would not exceed the value of a comparable York.

I would be interested in seeing the pictures.

You can send them to Kenton@punxypa.com

kms