Boston, Massachusetts
Boston Musical Instrument Manufactury

Metal (Silver-platted) MOP
ca. 1885 C.E.
Height: 9.75 in; Bell Diameter: 4 in
Wind Instruments – Brasswinds – Cornets / Cornopeans

Engraved on the bell: : Made / by the / Boston / Musical Instrument / Manufy:
Engraved number on second valve: 8308

According to the Boston Musical Instruments – Serial Numbers: This is a Cornet in ‘C’, produced @1885. 

This silver-plated piston valve version is heavily decorated with engraving, including a wreath around the trademarked design.  The bell shows inside gold wash with mother-of-pearl caps for the top of the valves.  The period mouthpiece is stamped ‘Henry Distin Mfg. Co.’

According to Robb Stewart, “The 1887 Boston catalog offers only piston valve versions of the Two- and Three-Star cornets…….. fails to describe it as a Three Star model or mention that it can be also made in the key of C,” which I believe is seen here.

In 1869, the E.G. Wright Company of Boston, Massachusetts (established in 1841) and Graves & Co. of Winchester, New Hampshire combined to form the Boston Musical Instrument Manufactury located at 71 Sudbury Street, Boston. The partnership included Eldridge G. (EG) Wright, Samuel, William and George Graves, and Wright’s “practical partners” Henry Esbach and Louis Hartman.  They established themselves as an American manufacturer of brass band instruments.  Then in 1902 they relocated to 51 Chardon Street in Boston and changed the name to the Boston Musical Instrument Company. Two years later the company was purchased by Cundy-Bettony which continued to build instruments in the Boston name until 1928.

Resource:  https://www.robbstewart.com/boston-cornets-and-trumpets
https://www.adams-music.shop/en/repair-and-maintenance/serial-numbers/boston_musical_instruments