Expert: Kenton Scott - 4/8/2006

Question
I have a Holton coronet that was given to me in the 1960's when I was a boy. The instrument is nickel or silver plated and is heavily engraved.  The serial number is 30369.  The bell has flowery engravings and the words Sherman Clay Co San Francisco.  Another inscription says patent 1914. I am planning on giving it to my son and was wondering how old it is.  

Answer
Hi George,

Usually, the patent date on an instrument doesn't mean much  - only that the horn is no older than that date.  But in this case, it IS the date of manufacture.  


I have no idea what the Sherman Clay Company was, but I would have to assume that it was a music retail store in SF.  

You didn't say whether your plan was for your son to have this as a object for display, or whether  he was going to play it.  If he is to play it, there are a couple of issues.  1) horns in 1914 we made in both high pitch and low pitch.  Modern bands play in low pitch.  2) if the horn was played a  lot, it may have worn valves or other problems.  

Both of these issues are correctable, and may be worth the effort.  It is probably silver plated which will clean up nicely with a good silver polish.  

Good luck

kms