Professional (Reynolds) Cornets

The Professional model cornets are a continuation of the original F.A. Reynolds cornets. Both brass bell and sterling silver bell models were available.

1952-1964

Reynolds cornets made c.1952 and later are marked “Made by Roth-Reynolds” instead of “F.A. Reynolds”. In addition, the main bell engraving changed to a lengthwise script that simply says “Reynolds” and product catalogs subsequently refer to them as “Professional” models. Serial number 30000 marks a general introductory point of these changes.

Reynolds continued to offer a sterling silver bell option throughout the 1950s and early ’60s. The basic sterling silver bell (model 63) had an added “Sterling” word engraved below the large “Reynolds” script, while the deluxe engraving style (models 61, 62) added the fancy filigree and hand-burnished gold inlay that set those models apart. The latter does not appear to have added the “Sterling” designation.

Model	Size	Description	Example
60	Bore: .458″ Bell: 4¾” Length: 17½”	Reynolds Professional Cornet | Body: brass bell with nickel-silver leadpipe, valve slides and upper valve casings (balusters) | Valves: top-loaded, inner-spring valve pistons | Finish: clear lacquer | Last appears in 1958 catalog
61(-M)	Bore: .458″ Bell: 4¾” Length: 17½”	Reynolds Professional “Sterling Deluxe” Cornet | Sterling silver bell (with hand-burnished gold inlaid engraving) | Body: brass with nickel-silver leadpipe and valve slides | Valves: top-loaded, inner-spring valve pistons | Finish: clear lacquer
61-L	Bore: .462″ Bell: 4¾” Length: 17½”	Reynolds Professional “Sterling Deluxe” Cornet | Same as Model 61-M with larger bore size | First appears in 1959 catalog	No photo available
62(-M)	Bore: .458″ Bell: 4¾” Length: 17½”	Reynolds Professional “Sterling Deluxe” Cornet | Sterling silver bell (with hand-burnished gold inlaid engraving) | First-valve trigger | Body: TBD | Valves: top-loaded, inner-spring valve pistons | Finish: clear lacquer	No photo available
62-L	Bore: .462″ Bell: 4¾” Length: 17½”	Reynolds Professional “Sterling Deluxe” Cornet | Same as Model 62-M with larger bore size | First appears in 1959 catalog	No photo available
63	Bore: .458″ Bell: 4¾” Length: 17½”	Reynolds Professional “Sterling” Cornet | Body: sterling silver bell; brass valve block; nickel-silver leadpipe, valve slides and upper valve casings (balusters) | Valves: top-loaded, inner-spring valve pistons | Finish: clear lacquer |

Notes and Quotes

195x Roth-Reynolds catalog:

Reynolds Professional Cornets and Trumpets have been the choice of discriminating musicians for over two decades. Graceful design and famous free-blowing qualities distinguish the ‘Professional’ models. Instant valve response with solid nickel silver pistons. Built with either brass bell or beautifully finished sterling silver bell. All models equipped with deluxe Gladstone cases.

1958, 1959 Roth-Reynolds catalog:

The most beautiful cornet made. Favorite of famous artists for many years: Dr. Frank Simon, Col. Irons and many others. The PROFESSIONAL [1959: "Sterling"] cornet possesses tone qualities ideal for solo or ensemble. Fast, solid nickel silver pistons of perfect fit and a correctly tapered bore produce a rare combination of perfection. [...] All models equipped with Gladstone cases.