keyfamily1

I just bought a Bach Cornet with a 1944 serial number. The Bell is stamped Bach Stradivarius Model 37 and having been made in Elkheart, Indiana. In my opinion, the cornet has been modified with another Bell. Am I correct in this assumption. It is my understanding that production did not start in Elkheart untill 1965. According to the Bach Dating Guide, there were only about 1000 or so Bachs made between 1941 and 1945 since most all of brass was being used for WWII. Give me your thoughts. The cornet is worth what I paid for it in parts if nothing else.