techietrooper

I have a Holton Super Collegiate Cornet I have had in the closet since playing it in 5th grade band class. We purchased the horn at a second hand store in California for class. While I neer did go far with playing I want to keep the horn in decent shape.

I looked up the serial number 273295 and as I can tell its a 1955 model horn. It has engraving on the bell and a yellow brass finish with nickel on the bell (two tone) The finish has always been in bad shape and the horn has a small crack on the large curve at the bottom rear section.

My question is, do I strip the horn and polish it or will that destroy its value in some way? I want to have this thing around for my kids to use someday but I do not want to destroy the historical value of the instrument. I can upload photos of horn if need. Any advice would be helpful.

oldlou

Are you infering that the bell tube is cracked? If so, it will need a patch or replacement of the entire bell section. This will destroy any value that it has. If the crack is strictly in the finish, I would leave it as is. It won't play any better if you strip it and then you will be saddled with very frequent polishing of that raw brass and nickel. Total restoration, including the requisit overall polishing and relacquering will be extremely costly, bringing your investment in the horn far above its market value.


OLDLOU>>

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Olds Special cornet Los Angeles
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Ursa

I agree with oldlou. I'd have the horn serviced and put into excellent playing condition, but that's it. If still equipped with the original Frank Holton mouthpiece, I'd get a new, modern replacement for the kids to start out on. I'd do nothing about the finish of the horn.

I own a Super Collegiate cornet, and they are very easy to play with marvelous tone--this one deserves to be brought back to life and put into use. Your kids will get off to an excellent start on this cornet.

These are not common cornets and more desirable than the standard Collegiate. While they are collectible, they aren't very valuable. You likely wouldn't recover the cost of a refinish if you sold the horn later.

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Ursa's collection of fine brasswinds...
Besson BE709 Trumpet
Conn 20B Trumpet - small bore
E. K. Blessing XL-CR Short Cornet
Frank Holton Super Collegiate Trumpet, Copper/Nickel bell
Frank Holton Super Collegiate Cornet, Rose Brass/Nickel bell
Frank Holton Collegiate Cornet
Yamaha YEP-321S Euphonium
Frank Holton 6/4 EEb Tuba

techietrooper

The tube that is cracked is at the section just after the area where the mouthpiece is inserted not the bell tube itself. It does have one minor dent in the main bell tube on the bottom of the big turn just before it straightens out and enters the valves.

While I am not the lease bit interested in selling the horn I like you both would like to see it in playing shape and used. If I was to ever part with it, it would be given to someone who would really use it and appreciate it.

I am not concerned about the polishing if I was to remove the finish. My main concern there is if it will damage the ingraving at all to remove the finish.

Thank you both for your continued advice here. This horn does have its original mouthpiece as well so I would need to get a new one for the kid as you have advised. I even have the original case the horn came in but the case is rough. It was taped with duck tape at the edges to hold it together at some point in time which makes me sick thinking about it.

techietrooper

I forgot one more thing. THe mouthpiece has the name "Martin Elkhart" engraved on it if that means anything.

Thanks again.

MFfan

You might be able to the leader pipe crack repaired by a tech. The MP is very vintage also. A new Bach would be better. I would recommend a 7c for all around playing.

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techietrooper

Thank you for the advice. I will have to seek a reputable shop to get the repairs done. We are out in the country a little and just move to the area. I am going to have to scout things out a little. Thanks a bundle, I guess I just wanted to ease my mind that the horn is worth holding on to and fixing.

Ursa

With the Super Collegiate cornet, you've got something unique and different compared to today's horns. A bi-metal bell, fast and smooth vintage Holton valves, combined with possibly a nickel-silver leadpipe all add up to a American-style cornet with rich, vibrant sound and quick reflexes. I love mine, even with its bumps and bruises. Nothing like it is made today.

Good luck with your Super!

__________________
Ursa's collection of fine brasswinds...
Besson BE709 Trumpet
Conn 20B Trumpet - small bore
E. K. Blessing XL-CR Short Cornet
Frank Holton Super Collegiate Trumpet, Copper/Nickel bell
Frank Holton Super Collegiate Cornet, Rose Brass/Nickel bell
Frank Holton Collegiate Cornet
Yamaha YEP-321S Euphonium
Frank Holton 6/4 EEb Tuba