F.A. Reynolds Cornets

The original F.A. Reynolds cornets were based on the "underslung" design of the "King" Master Model cornets that Foster Reynolds helped create in the 1920s and '30s at the H.N. White Company. The King and Reynolds models are considered by many to be some of the most outstanding cornets available in the first half of the 1900s.

"As far as I am concerned, [the] design in the bringing of the tuning slide underneath the valve block to the back side of the third valve is unequalled genius. It is much more comfortable to my left hand, as the heel of my palm rests on the lead pipe, keeping me from pronating my left hand, and by getting both the tubing and the heel of the palm out of the way, the left hand fingers are not cramped in working the 1st & 3rd valve slides. It also feels more balanced and not bell heavy or top heavy as the center of gravity is lowered on the horn, making it easier to hold. Moreover, the common sense expediant of the little extra medallion of brass on the ferrule and knuckle going into the valve block as a protection against dents has the postive effect of damping non-harmonic vibrations, helping the cornet retain center of pitch better." (iiipopes)

Because documented model numbers are not available, please refer to the following variants by their physical description and letter [A, B, C, D...] designation:

Model Line Timelines

The five-year span from 1936-1941 covers Reynolds' initial production and early Armed Forces service band instruments; serial numbers include instruments up to approximately 9000. Distinguishing features include an adjustment ring on the main tuning slide that permitted fast switching between Bb and A (found on most cornets through approx. serial number 5000), an ornate engraving style on both brass and sterling silver bells and H.N. White-style "teardrop" bottom valve caps.. Military cornets bore a different engraving and a large U.S. mark near the bell rim.

The next five years, 1941-1946, includes production up to the sale of F.A. Reynolds Co. in 1946 to Scherl & Roth Co.; serial numbers range from approximately 9000-21500. Distinguishing features include a change to a vertical engraving style and H.N. White-style "teardrop" bottom valve caps.. It's unknown if Reynolds continued to produce cornets for the military bands after the first few years of work.

Cornets continued to be produced under the F.A. Reynolds name even after Scherl & Roth bought the company and took over operations in 1946. Circa 1952, the Roth-Reynolds name was introduced and model line [D] changed to the Professional name. For 1946-1952, serial numbers range from approximately 21500-30000. The instruments kept the vertical engraving style, but underwent some minor design changes, most notably the bottom valve caps were changed to a flat style without the "teardrop" drip stem.