Expert: Kenton Scott - 7/31/2006

Question
We have found something else on Robinson at http://www.robinsons.com.sg/history.asp  An interesting history - its seems the company was involved with a music mania in Malaya in the late 19th century.  Thanks for your reply.  Paul.  -------------------------

Followup To

Question -
Hello Kenton,
We recently acquired a trumpet? by the Robinson Piano Company.  This could be the same organisation mentioned on Wiki but maybe not.  Our instrument can be still seen on Ebay at http://cgi.ebay.com.au/Robinson-Piano-Co-Vintage-Brass-Trumpet_W0QQitemZ22000435
It looks a bit rough in places but will be playable.  All the valves are okay but the original mouthpiece was absent.

Have you seen this type of instrument before?  Maybe it's is not a trumpet?  Any comments would be much appreciated.

Thanks, Paul and Jill.

Answer -
Hi,

Well there was a Robinson company in Dublin, but that was too early for this instrument. I have no information on a Robinson Piano Company.  

The instrument is a cornet.  It appears to be all there, except for the mouthpiece and bit.  It would appear that it could be restored. The bell needs straightening and the valves need some work, but other than that it looks pretty much intact.  A lot of makers made horns that were of this configuration.  

Answer
Hi,

That is an interesting history.  While I didn't see any reference to "Robinson Piano Co.", nor any reference to supplying brass instruments, it certainly looks like this oriental company could possibly be the dealer for this cornet.  It does appear that Robinsons was a department store, and certainly we had department stores in this country that also offered musical instruments - including Sear Robuck and Montgomery Wards.  

Thanks for sharing your find.

kms