FEATURES
• Vintage 1956 Martin Imperial Bb cornet, serial number 199795
• Built by the Martin Band Instrument Company in Elkhart, Indiana, USA
• Yellow brass construction
• Traditional compact/short-model cornet wrap
• Nickel-plated components and valve guides
• Three-valve configuration
• Student-to-intermediate level instrument built to Martin's professional manufacturing standards
• Produced during Martin's mid-century Elkhart era, known for substantial construction and strong valve compression
• Adjusted by our technician for general playing conditions
• Includes original hard-shell case and original mouthpiece
• Used condition: metal wear on several parts, a slight ding on the final turn-around to the bell, and minor feather scratches throughout
DESCRIPTION
This Martin Imperial cornet, serial number 199795, is a vintage American brass instrument built in 1956 by the Martin Band Instrument Company of Elkhart, Indiana. It comes from Martin's highly regarded mid-century Elkhart manufacturing era, a period when the company's horns were known for substantial construction, excellent craftsmanship, and dependable valve performance.
The Imperial name was applied during this period to Martin's student-to-intermediate instruments, giving developing players a horn built to the same professional manufacturing standards as the rest of the line. Mid-1950s Imperials like this one feature a traditional compact cornet wrap, yellow brass construction, and carefully finished nickel-plated details. That combination of robust build and strong valve compression is a big part of why these horns still draw interest from vintage brass players and collectors.
Martin's documented serial-number chronology places 199795 between the 1956 and 1957 production markers, supporting a 1956 manufacture date and roughly seven decades of history.
This particular instrument has been used and shows it. There is metal wear on several parts of the horn, though it does not affect playability. On the final turn-around to the bell there is a slight ding in the piping that does not restrict air flow, and minor feather scratches are present across the entire instrument. Our technician has adjusted the cornet for general playing conditions, and it ships with its original case and original mouthpiece. As with any vintage instrument, condition should be considered alongside the horn's history and character.
SPECIFICATIONS
Manufacturer: Martin Band Instrument Company
Brand: Martin
Model: Imperial Cornet
Serial Number: 199795
Year of Manufacture: 1956
Place of Manufacture: Elkhart, Indiana, USA
Instrument Type: Bb Cornet
Era: Mid-1950s / Vintage American Brass
Intended Level: Student to Intermediate
Construction: Yellow brass
Design: Traditional compact/short-model cornet wrap
Trim: Nickel-plated components and valve guides
Valves: Three-valve configuration
*Includes Original hard-shell case, original mouthpiece
Model# Imperial
