Esbach's Patent Cornet Model, ca. 1878
This is the earliest known example of Henry Esbach's 1879 Patent Three
Star Cornet. This statement is made based on the fact that it appears
identical to the patent drawing but different than all other known examples
and the engraved image from Boston catalogues. All the later examples
have the patent date engraved on the plate that extends between the first
and third valve slide tubes. These few facts can also lead one to speculate
that this is the prototype that was available to the draftsman who made the
patent drawing.
Here's an interesting anecdote: During the meeting of about 15 or so cornet
collectors and players (a few of which were quite good players) this was
judged, almost unanimously, to be the best playing of the many dozens of
cornets in the room.
Larry Minick restored this cornet for a previous owner in the 1970s but
unfortunately, it suffered harsh treatment subsequently. This cornet is 12
1/8" long with bell diameter of 5" and bore diameter measuring .485". The
last photo shows it above a later example owned by Nick DeCarlis. Click
on images for larger views.
Star Cornet. This statement is made based on the fact that it appears
identical to the patent drawing but different than all other known examples
and the engraved image from Boston catalogues. All the later examples
have the patent date engraved on the plate that extends between the first
and third valve slide tubes. These few facts can also lead one to speculate
that this is the prototype that was available to the draftsman who made the
patent drawing.
Here's an interesting anecdote: During the meeting of about 15 or so cornet
collectors and players (a few of which were quite good players) this was
judged, almost unanimously, to be the best playing of the many dozens of
cornets in the room.
Larry Minick restored this cornet for a previous owner in the 1970s but
unfortunately, it suffered harsh treatment subsequently. This cornet is 12
1/8" long with bell diameter of 5" and bore diameter measuring .485". The
last photo shows it above a later example owned by Nick DeCarlis. Click
on images for larger views.