” I located this horn on eBay, and was a Bach Stradivarius Cornet, not a Trumpet (but wait).

This is an absolutely and completely original (not refinished/refurbished) 1965 Stradivarius Cornet 37 bell in lacquer, SN #. 30,8XX.

This is the first year, I believe, that Elkhart has been in operation since leaving the Mount Vernon location. The seller’s family has owned a music store since 1889 in Akron, Ohio. The shop has been inactive for 20 years or so. Several years ago, they located the Bach Stradivarius cornet and a Bach Stradivarius trumpet in a storage area in the shop, and they are frozen in time!

The 3rd valve slide stop is in the reverse position from the current style.

Case original, serial numbers on each valve, the keys are in the small envelope, and the flap is still stapled. The case is plush blue velvet, with the old emblem inside and outside, a craftsman building a horn. There are no scratches, dents, or marred; the case is also pristine and brand new. The original warranty card is in the case. Perfect and brand new, although 40 years old! Tedd Waggoner from Bach and Roy Hempley, who wrote the “Bachology” articles for “Trumpet Corner,” were surprised to see one like this.

I knew it would be nice, but I never dreamed that the reality would be this incredible. The case hasn’t even be carried, the handle doesn’t even have a curvature to it. Perfect pristine inside/out, original warranty card, case keys still in a small envelope and sealed. Original valve oil and cleaning rod. No scratches, dents, or anything! It hasn’t ever been sold!

The seller wrapped it beautifully for me, and this horn slots incredibly well and has the sweetest sound. The 3rd valve slide stop is in the opposite direction. I know that trumpets are usually the focus of interest, but I thought you might appreciate this horn. How many brand new original 1965 Strads that have never been sold or hardly even played are in this world today?

The sellers also sold a 1965 Strad trumpet SN # 39, XXX also never sold previously/brand new however the 3rd valve slide stop is in the traditional position. Both were available for bid, and fortunately for me, the focus was on the trumpet, and I was the only bidder for the cornet.”