Salvation Army "The Bandmaster" Cornet with Original Case & Tune Books

Make:  Salvationist Publishing & Supplies, Ltd., Judd Street, London ( For Salvation Army)

Model: The Bandmaster, Class A, 29501

Age:  Late 1950s-1960

Construction: 

• Cornet - brass, silver plating, felt, cork
• Case - wood, canvas, textiles, metal

Dimensions: 

• Cornet - 13 1/2" Long x 5" Wide x 7 1/2" Tall 
• Case - 13 1/2" Tall x 15" Wide x 6" Deep

Condition:  Excellent vintage condition.  A few very minor dents.  Felts appear to be good, valves smooth. The case interior shows noticeable wear to the velvet lining where the valves rest, as well as a small worn hole in the velvet at the hinge where the spit valve rests.  The exterior of the case is covered in black canvas, worn through in several places on the corners and patched with blue plastic tape strips.  Metal on clasps and handle are lightly corroded but still open easily. Not tested for playability. Please see photos. 

Details:  Heavy silver-colored cornet, made specifically for and by the Salvation Army for their street bands. Engraved on bell "THE BANDMASTER  'Class A'  29501  MADE BY  Salvationist Publishing & Supplies, LTD  JUDD ST.  LONDON  .L.P.", with the Salvation Army badge engraved in the center.  Original mouthpiece attached, stamped under rim, "THE SALVATION ARMY  MADE IN ENGLAND".  Cornet fits into original hard case, made of canvas-covered wood and lined with deep red velvet.  Case has spaces for two spare mouthpieces.  A spring-loaded music clip is included.  Under the area fitted for the cornet, there is a compartment with a small strap for lifting. 

Inside are several tune books including "The Salvation Army Band Tune Book for Congregational Singing  SOLO CORNET Bb", a couple Tune Book Supplements for Cornet and Flugel Horn Bb, "The Salvation Army Band Tune Book for Congregational Singing for Flugel Horn Bb" and two American Supplements for the Tune Books.  One is stamped "KY.-TENN. DIVISION".  There are also two service programs from 1986 and loose paper and a spiral notebook with sermon notes. A red plastic label under the clasps reads "PATRICIA CAPEL  CUMBERLAND  MARYLAND".

The Salvation Army made their own instruments through Salvationist Publishing and Supply, Ltd. in London.  These instruments were made with heavier brass and heavier silver overlays to better withstand inclement weather since their bands were essentially street bands.  The Bandmaster Cornet is a premier, top of the line instrument.  The 'Class A' stamp may signify a lower pitch.