Expert: Kenton Scott - 10/28/2007

Question
We have inherited an old Henri Gautier Virtuoso cornet from our grandfather.  It looks to be silver plated over brass?? It has very little information marked on it other than the Henri Gautier Virtuoso engraving on the upper side of the bell, and the numbers "1", "2", and "3" on each of the three valve casings, and what may be a serial number on the second valve casing beneath the "2".  This serial number is "16595".  There is not manufacturer stamp, or place of origin indicated anywhere.  Can you estimate the date this old horn was produced?  Is it worth refurbishing, or is it more valuable to keep in its present tarnished and slightly dented condition?

Answer
Gautier was a tradename used by Lyon and Healy of Chicago.  Most of the Gautiers were made by Caech maker Bohland and Fuchs.  But, most of them didn't have serial numbers on them.  Only the later Lyon and Healy products seemed to have serial numbers, which would then indicate that because it doesn't have a country of origin, that it may have been domestically made.  If you would care to send pictures, the design of the horn may offer some clues.

I tend to believe that instruments are meant to be played, with only rare exceptions.  However, it may be a good idea to determine whether it plays in tune with modern instruments before deciding to put money into it.

It is not really a collector's item.