Ah! Your cornet is probably an Aristocrat. Not top of the line (that would be the 275 "The 400") but was still easily a professional cornet. It was made about 1949 or 1950.
In terms of quality, it will blow the doors off of any Ambassador, and perhaps the Reynolds as well.
However, every horn plays differently for each person. But, I might consider getting the dents pushed out and giving it a serious trial for either you or your son.
Here are pictures of the contemporary "The 400" models of trumpet (model 225) and cornet (model 275) for comparison purposes, and because I like to show the pictures.
Tom
