Boston Two Star Cornet with a Twist
The Two Star cornet sometimes seems to be a poor relative to the
Famous Three Star Cornets made by Boston Musical Instrument
Manufactory. The existing catalogs don't give many clues as to the
difference in design and utility of the two models. They look
virtually the same and the early versions had the same bore size of
approximately .485". The Two Star cornet does have a slightly
larger bell flare, leading me to believe that it was intended more for
the harmony or middle voice parts. The later Three Star cornets
have a smaller bore (.472") through the valves as well, making
more of a distinction. These are vary rare, being the only two
known examples with rotary valves, both belonging to Steve Ward.
All others that I know of have piston valves. Notice, also, that this
cornet is a continuation of the basic layout utilized by E.G. Wright
about ten years earlier for his smaller bore band model cornet and
could be seen as a precursor to the Boston Esbach's Patented
Three Star cornet. We are fortunate that these cornets are so well
preserved, only needing some dents removed, a few parts
reproduced and, of course, they are excellent playing cornets.
The top action cornet in the first three photos is solid nickel silver
and the side action example below, is silver plated brass. The
length is 12 1/2", the bell rim diameter is 4 15/16" and the bore
measures .487".
Click on images for larger views.
Famous Three Star Cornets made by Boston Musical Instrument
Manufactory. The existing catalogs don't give many clues as to the
difference in design and utility of the two models. They look
virtually the same and the early versions had the same bore size of
approximately .485". The Two Star cornet does have a slightly
larger bell flare, leading me to believe that it was intended more for
the harmony or middle voice parts. The later Three Star cornets
have a smaller bore (.472") through the valves as well, making
more of a distinction. These are vary rare, being the only two
known examples with rotary valves, both belonging to Steve Ward.
All others that I know of have piston valves. Notice, also, that this
cornet is a continuation of the basic layout utilized by E.G. Wright
about ten years earlier for his smaller bore band model cornet and
could be seen as a precursor to the Boston Esbach's Patented
Three Star cornet. We are fortunate that these cornets are so well
preserved, only needing some dents removed, a few parts
reproduced and, of course, they are excellent playing cornets.
The top action cornet in the first three photos is solid nickel silver
and the side action example below, is silver plated brass. The
length is 12 1/2", the bell rim diameter is 4 15/16" and the bore
measures .487".
Click on images for larger views.
