Reynolds (Professional) Cornets

Model numbers and serial number dating are not available for this time period, making it difficult to accurately put together an exact production timeline. Because actual model numbers are not available, I've grouped the examples below by the physical materials of their construction -- primarily by which combination of parts were made of nickel silver and which were brass. The three parts that were variously available in nickel silver were the lead pipe, the balusters (upper valve casings) and the outer slide tubing at each valve tuning crook. I've identified four material combinations so far (Models A-D), each with either a brass bell or sterling silver bell. For consistency's sake, I am using the model number (60) that the Reynolds cornet was known with in the late 1940s.

Cornets from Reynolds’ first decade of operations feature an ornate engraving pattern across the width of the bell flare. Both brass and sterling silver bells feature significant filigree with the latter adding inlay gold as well.

After Scherl & Roth took over operations in 1946, it appears that the engraving pattern changed to a vertical block lettering style. The brass bells were much simpler in style than the sterling silver bells and would not have required as much “finishing” time on the production line. The change in engraving patterns happened around SN 9000.

Circa 1949, there were minor design changes made to F.A. Reynolds cornets: while the overall design and bell engravings remained the same, the updated models can be distinguished by their lower profile valve buttons and flat bottom valve caps. Serial number 21000 marks the approximate change to the updated design. In conjunction with these changes, the Reynolds cornet was designated as the “Professional” model.

Of the different variants listed above, only [D] appears to have been retained, now Models 60 and 61.

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”. 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.