Jan

Am trying to sell this horn for a friend who is terminally ill. Have no idea what it is worth. (I'm a pianist.) Does anyone know of a site where I could determine its vintage and/or value? It works; has two triggers and he says it is satin silver. He thinks he bought it in the 60's and it was played for one year. Thanks for any info you may have.

tom turner

Hi,

Sorry to hear about your friend!

There's actually a website, created by ElShaddai Edwards, dedicated to the fine instruments of Foster Reynolds. The site is named after the "Contempora," Reynolds most expensive model . . . but the Argenta was the same design as the Contempora and just as good a horn for slightly less money.

I love my '61 Argenta cornet.

You can learn about them here:
Contempora Corner

You may also wish to email ElShaddai too. I've conversed with him on several occasions and he's a great guy. Maybe he can help you and your friend get top dollar for the Argenta!!!

His email address is:
elshaddai@contemporacorner.com

Hope this helps,

Tom

Don Christensen

The Agrenta is a great cornet, but doesn't typically command high prices on ebay. Maybe 300-400 dollars for a really fine example. As far as I know, they are an solid nickel silver instrument with a clear lacquer coating. Don't try to polish it with your standard silver polish, as it will remove the lacquer and the nickel silver will tarnish to a dingy yellow color.

I learned to play on an argenta cornet.

Jan

Thanks to all of you who replied. I have my answer. Love the web site.
Jan