Vintage '60's REYNOLDS MEDALIST CORNET Case Mouthpiece

Hi friends .... I'm offering on eBay today a remarkable example of a vintage cornet  . . . the much heralded ... REYNOLDS MEDALIST ... the Medalist

is often compared to the also heralded Olds Ambassador... and actually when Reynolds later moved their production next to Olds Plant in Fullerton,  the Medalists and the Ambassadors were assembled on the same line and were just about identical versions of the same cornet -     .... This  Medalist- made while Reynolds was in Abilene Texas... is an easy playing- built like a tank - classic cornet and celebrated for it's rich warm tone  ...it's just a delight to play ... but I need money now more than a cornet collection .... so I'm hoping my friends on eBay can find the Medalist a good and loving new home  . . .. just do a search on these cornets on brass and trumpet forums and you'll see only universal praise for this tough and true player ....

 The serial number of this horn is 229507 which places it's production between 1964-1970 - probably in the mid 60's  .... these are large bore easy playing...  This cornet has been in storage for a while and all it needed for revival was a little TLC, a gentle bath, some oil and grease .... that's really one of the signature signs of a quality instrument that was made to be played and to last...They always seem to play better as they age - maybe because of the patina or the workmanship or the quality of materials that were used with vintage cornets from established American productions . In my opinion they just don't compare with instruments made today and even the student models from those years hold their own with the thousand dollar models made today... And this Medalist seems to be especially sweet playing when I compare it to the others I've offered .... 

 This specific Reynolds Medalist  in great condition for it's vintage heritage -. . . there are some cosmetic problems that I can see and that I've tried to show in the many pictures that I've provided... there are some slight spider cracks on two of the mother of pearl valve tops ....there are just two dents that I can see ... one in the center of the curve of the crook...and another as the crook tubing turns and approached the 1st valve... there are the expected slight dimples along the tubing on the left side as it approaches the bell. . . the bell itself is quite good - with just one tiny ding and another tiny dimple .... otherwise no bends or flaws to mention .... none of these has any effect whatsoever on the wonderful cornet sound or the integrity of the instrument .... There is also some minor brass wear scattered on the body of the horn ... but absolutely nothing brutal... just from years of life and not from any abuse... For a horn from the 60's to still shine and sing... and to survive like this with just two mentionable dents is kind of amazing .... The only other detail I must point out is that the mouthpiece pipe was replaced at some point with one from a Conn Director (as shown in the 10th picture) - but it seems seamless with the horn - even without any signs of soldering or repair ....  Of course there may be some other imperfections that others will find if they inspect the horn very closely ... but I think it's just wonderful for a classic horn  ....  and you can see by the representative pics that this cornet still looks pretty great in spite of some wear ...  with the brass still mostly shiny ...   The valves and slides all move freely .... the valves are also in really nice condition and wonderfully responsive.... and the slides make a nice pop when removed  - indicating good compression - the one exception to the free slides is the slide on the right that comes from the 3rd valve - it's stuck - I won't force it,  but I will try to have it released before sent to it's new home... if I can .... The water keys and their assembly are tight (could use new corks of course) ... and there are no leaks that I can detect .... In spite of needing new corks there are no leaks that I can detect ... Just take it out and play it ....

  But most important .... I've played the horn ... it's easy playing and sounds rich and mellow and sweet and is truly just a delight that only a vintage instrument can provide  . . .  .... I'm including with this wonderful vintage Medalist a Vincent Bach 7 mouthpiece that I've cleaned and sterilized and in nice condition and plays well .... although I always use Denis Wick mouthpieces for my cornet playing (I use the cornet Wick 4) and I recommend it here if you want that best rich mellow signature cornet sound ...   I'm also including the original Reynolds Samsonite black hard case with a plush blue lining that's in decent and functional condition with both latches still working ...

Here's a selection of a Reynolds print ads I found on the wonderful  Contempora website -  (http://contemporacorner.com/) ...Please also go to that site to read more about the fascinating  history of the Reynolds company and more specifics about the Medalist cornet from the period that I'm offering . . .


In summary . . .this is a great looking vintage Reynolds Medalist cornet from the mid-60s ....  it looks great and plays great and it's just a delight .... It's not mint pristine condition .... but you won't spend $1000 for a new horn (that's probably inferior in playing and build) ...or  have to take this one in to be cleaned or refurbished ... it looks and plays great right out of the box .... I've even sterilized the mouthpiece .... and considering that it's been around for all these years I think you'll love and appreciate it...  it's a really nice cornet for anyone ranging  from the new student to the pro that appreciates the rich sound of a classic workhorse vintage horn . . ..

 . .. Please bid with confidence .... or save yourself the stress and wait and just use the "buy it now" opportunity before there are bids and that option goes away . . .



And while you're here .... please take some time to look thru my eBay store .... you'll find tons of really cool stuff for yourself or for unique gift giving . . .including great framed pictures of Miles and Dizzy and Louis (cornet players won't need their last names) . . .

Visit My eBay Store: One World Gallery  . . . Thanks and all the best wishes . . ..