1940 Chicago Benge Cornet - Serial #880

I don't necessarily want to sell this one, but I also can't keep everything. If this goes to someone who understands what it is and wants to preserve it the way it deserves, I'm open to letting it go.

This is a 1940 Chicago Benge cornet, built by Eldon Benge himself.

Joe Lill's definitive database of all things Benge has a section called "the first and last of everything." It currently shows the first Chicago cornet as serial number 897. This Chicago Benge cornet is stamped serial number 880 on the valve block.

Interestingly, the pistons are marked with serial number 780. I would love to know the story on how that happened. Neither of these serial numbers are listed in Joe's database. If there is an earlier Chicago Benge cornet out there, I'd love to see it, but this is the earliest one I've been able to document.

For a cornet made close to 90 years ago, this instrument is in remarkable condition. The pistons show some visible discoloration, which is very common in Benge trumpets and cornets from the Chicago and Burbank eras. However, the compression is excellent. There is very little blow-by.

There has been repair work done on the bell bow, and that work has been completed. The slides, bell bead, and all other aspects of the instrument appear to be in great shape. It has been cleaned, polished, and has new corks and felts.

It is in raw brass with a thin coating of Renaissance wax to help inhibit tarnish. Everything appears to be original. The engraving is sharp and crisp, and best of all, it plays great.

This is a rare opportunity to own a very early Chicago Benge cornet with a serial number that appears to pre-date the earliest Chicago cornet currently listed in Joe Lill's database.

Price includes insured shipping in CONUS.

Text 501-777-5594 with questions.