Listed on eBay Feb 2025
Listed here is a rare 1906 Missenharter cornet by Harry Coleman, Excelsior model, fully playable with working valves,Â
smoothly moving slides and classically engraved throughout much of the bell, tubing and valve casings.Â
The inscription on the bell reads: "Medaille 1st Class Philadelphia / London & Paris / San Francisco / Chicago / American Institute / Ch. Missenharter / Excelsior / Harry Coleman / Manf'r Philadelphia 11155".Â
Charles Missenharter started making brass instruments first in Germany before moving to New York in the mid-1800s and later sold his business to Harry Coleman in 1891,Â
who moved the business to Philadelphia and continued to sell instruments under the Missenharter name until 1917.Â
I personally played this cornet for several years, only switching recently to a 1940s-era Conn Victor,Â
and so rather than gathering dust in a corner I've decided to find it a new home! (No mouthpiece or case included.)Â
