Elkhart Indiana
C.G. Conn

Gold plate, Mother-of-Pearl, metal
ca. 1913
Length: 16.25 in; bell diameter: 4.72 in
Wind Instruments – Brasswinds – Cornets / Cornopeans

Engraved on bell:  MADE BY / C.G.Conn / ELKHART, / IND.
Engraved on 2nd valve:  L / 130488 / UNION / MP3P / BBSW / LABEL /     PAT. APRIL / 2.1907
Engraving on bell: MADE BY / C.G. Conn / ELKHART / -IND.-    
Engraving on 2nd valve: L / 129817 / UNION / _PBP / B&SW / LABEL / PAT. APRIL / 2.1907        Under spit valves: 9817                 
Original engraved GOLD MPC: 1 / LEVY / MODEL / KEEFER / CONN
Original custom case and lyre.

The Conn ‘New Invention’ Circus Bore cornet is not uncommon to find, but ones that are enhanced with gold and especially this one that has the highest artistic grade engraving and completely finished in satin and polished gold plate are especially rare.  The serial number 129817 dates this to about 1913.  It has Conn’s largest 2-1/2 bore of 0.485″, with a 4.72″ bell and 16.25″ length.  This version was introduced shortly after the historic Conn factory fire in 1911.  Visually it was extremely similar to the Perfected Wonder, except that the tube between the 3^rd and 2^nd valve is now horizontal. 

What Conn said in 1913:
“The claim made for the New (Invention} Circus Bore Cornet is that it was a better and has a more correct scale throughout its entire compass.  It also plays easier and has a bigger and more powerful voice-like quality of tone.  It is better balanced, handles easier and its tone responds more quickly and more readily.  The bell of this Cornet hangs downward to prevent the free use of the performer’s embouchure, and the performer can do more on the Circus Bore Cornet and last longer when doing it than with any other Cornet.”

Reference:  The CONN Loyalist – New Invention Circus Bore,  Jim Hatfield