Vintage King Silvertone Cornet - Sterling Silver Bell (1940)

$1,800.00

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Vintage 1940-1941 King Silvertone Cornet - Sterling Silver Bell

For sale is a rare, professional, vintage King Silvertone Cornet, serial number 236599. Manufactured by H.N. White in Cleveland, this horn is prized by collectors and players for its unique engineering and its magnificent Sterling Silver bell, which produces a rich, focused, and velvety tone.

This is the perfect instrument for the serious collector, dedicated jazz player, or recording artist seeking the unique, classic sound of the Swing era. The Sterling Silver bell provides unparalleled clarity and projection with a distinct warmth.

The Silvertone: Innovation and Acoustic Purity

The Silvertone was King's top-of-the-line cornet, showcasing their commitment to quality and innovation before World War II.

What makes this cornet unique:

  • Sterling Silver Bell: The large bell is constructed from Sterling Silver, which is known to produce a darker, more centered, and extremely pure sound with superior resonance compared to standard brass. The bell also features really cool hand engraving.

  • Innovative Tuning Mechanism: This model features a very unique, in-slide tuning mechanism located on the underside of the horn (facing the player), rather than the traditional main tuning slide position. This innovation allows for precise adjustment and is a cool piece of engineering history.

  • Classic Construction: The body is made of brass, beautifully complementing the silver bell. It is noted as having a medium bore—a versatile size for both jazz and solo work.

  • Vintage Character: The silver plate shows some expected wear and flea bites, but there is no red rot or major problems. One finger button is mismatched but appears to be period appropriate, adding to its vintage charm.

Specifications & Condition

  • Model: King Silvertone Cornet

  • Serial Number: 236599

  • Approx. Year: 1940-1941 (Vintage)

  • Bell Material: Sterling Silver

  • Body Material: Brass

  • Bore Size: Medium Bore

  • Features: Unique In-Slide Tuning Mechanism, Hand Engraving

  • Condition: Good playing condition. Silver shows wear and flea bites, but is structurally sound. The valves are fast and smooth. One mismatched finger button (appears period appropriate).

  • Our Service: Our comprehensive service included a thorough inspection, cleaning, and fine-tuning to ensure optimal performance.

  • Included: Comes with a protective, durable Yamaha Custom case (aftermarket, not original). No accessories are included.

Why Choose Fleming Music?

Here at Fleming Instruments, our expert on-site instrument repair workshop guarantees that each instrument we sell is meticulously inspected and fine-tuned before it reaches you. We take pride in offering a 1-year warranty and 2-week return policy on all instruments, giving you peace of mind with your investment. Our team is dedicated to providing exceptional customer service, so please reach out to us at the shop via phone, email, or website contact: https://flemingrepair.com/pages/contact.

For the most competitive pricing, financing options, or to discuss a trade-in, please contact us directly!

As always, we invite you to stop by our Houston shop to try this instrument in person. Nothing compares to the experience of a horn in your own hands. Follow our accounts on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube for the latest updates, content, and promotions: https://linktr.ee/Fleming_Music. We are grateful for your support of our small business and look forward to helping you find the perfect instrument or accessories!