King Master Cornet, Serial # 184631, Purchased 04/29/1938
Have the original papers.The cornet was refurbished at the King factory in 1952. Has a sterling silver gold plated bell, with gold trim on all the slide valves, etc. It has not been used since, and is like brand new. I recently had it cleaned, and all the cork and valve springs replaced. It is in perfect playing condition. Pictures available.
I owned the cornet since I was 10 years old, and played it until late 1950. I switched to French horn in 1951. Played in an Army Band and several symphony orchestras.
Other
Maybe
Thank you for contacting Mearto with your appraisal inquiry. Based on the photographs and information provided, the subject of this appraisal is an H. N. White King Silver Tone Master Model Cornet, circa 1935. The composition is sterling silver and gold plated. The piece includes what appears to be its original case. The cornet's serial number is 184631 and according to its current owner is a single-owner piece purchased April 29, 1938.
Condition of the cornet based on photographs is excellent, and according to the owner was refurbished at the King factory in 1952. There are no dents or dings apparent in the photographs. The piece is reported to have been recently cleaned, with corks and valve springs replaced.
Based on recorded sales of comparable cornets in recent online auction settings (which top out around $600 based on past 90-day sales data, but in good as opposed to restored condition generally), King Silver Tone Master Model cornets that have sold at auction within the past decade (topping out around $550 for used pieces also in need of cleaning and restoration), but factoring in the excellent condition of the piece and the availability of similar pieces at vintage music shops, Fair Market Value (a pre-auction estimate) of this piece is estimated at $1,500 to $2,000.
If you’ve marked that you’re interested in selling the item (I think you can edit the listing if you didn’t), the item will automatically be seen by our auction house partners now that the appraisal is complete. If they are interested in listing the item at one of their upcoming auctions, they will be reaching out to you. Thank you for pointing out the composition. I will be adjusting the appraisal based on that composition note. Thanks for submitting the item; it really is a fantastic piece.
What will be the adjusted appraisal price? What % price does the auction house partners charge for their service?
The adjusted appraisal price is $1,500 to $2,000. Each auction house has its own pricing, and I'm personally not familiar with those terms, but I believe they will let you know any fees and commissions if they reach out. Other alternatives for listing the instrument include online auctions and instrument reselling sites such as reverb.com (which has many professional-quality instruments currently listed, including King Cornets) and eBay.
Do you have access or knowledge of any professional musicians who might be interested in purchasing the cornet? You indicated the composition was sterling silver and yellow brass. The bell is sterling silver and gold plated, not polished brass, big difference in value! How can I get the most $ for the instrument?