I picked up a Martin "Committee" cornet this past week on eBay; view photos here:
http://www.texassailor.com/horns/mar...n%20cornet.htm)
Based on the 203XXX serial number and what I could find on the internet, it appears to be a 1956 or 1957 model. It is the "Deluxe" model with additional engraving and nickel trim and sleeves.
I played the horn for the first time last night and I was very surprised it played as well as it did. I've learned first-hand that many vintage horns are not great players . . . even in good condition. I am a bit confused about this horn, though. The case is the condition you would expect for a horn of this vintage that was well used. But, this horn looks like it has never been touched; like it came off the factory floor yesterday. There is not a dent, ding, or scratch on it. The lacquer is in perfect condition, not a drip or blemish of any kind. Has it been relacquered? It doesn't appear to be. The engraving is super-sharp when you rub your fingers over it and there is absolutely no discoloration on the slides or inside the tubing to indicate is has been well-used. Also, the valves look new . . . not new like my DoctorValve rebuilt Conn 80A valves . . . but new, like on a brand new horn. The other suspicious thing is the 3rd slide ring . . . it is straight and not angled like the ones I see on similar Martin cornets. I was worried about the trigger, too. But, I've since seen a Martin Committee trumpet of similar vintage with a factory-original trigger that looks just like mine.
Is there any chance this is a fake? I cannot believe it would be because of the effort required to copy a vintage horn. It would cost more to produce it than it is worth. If it weren't such a good player, I'd be more concerned.
In the end, it doesn't matter. As long as I enjoy playing it. I'd appreciate any feedback from those of you who know more about Martins.