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Distin & Co. Bb/A Miniature • no. 11765 / 14237 • 1872
Henry Distin designed pocket cornets for his first company, which was later bought out by Boosey & Co (who continued to manufacture his designs). Distin continued to make pocket designs at his new shop in Philadelphia, including the extremely small Bb “Baby.”
This example was the product of his London enterprise, and is a nearly complete original outfit – note the tiny coffin case. It is high pitch, although I know that Distin made alternate main tuning slides to drop it to low pitch. It is shown with the “A” pigtail crook.
Here is what the surviving Boosey stock book has to say (courtesy Arnold Meyers):
According to the firm's archives [work shop order books], the pistons were made by Derkinderen.
"Cornet (min)" Class P.L.V.
Batch of 6 (14232-7)given out 30 May 1872; received 18 Jun 1872; made up 1 Jun 1872.
According to the firm's archives [work shop order books], the instrument was made by Hoyer.
"B-flat Cornet Min", Class P.L.V.
Given out 1 Jun 1872; received 19 Jun 1872; given to polisher 19 Jun 1872; entered in stock 10 Sep 1872.
Paid for batch of 6 (11760-5), Hoyer 94 1/2 hrs = #3/10/6 + Seidel 70 hrs = #1/9/2; #4/19/8, 16/7d each.
According to the firm's archives [Distin & Co Stock Books], "B-flat cornet (plated) P.L.V Min";
entered in stock 10 Sep 1872; sold 2 Oct 1872 -> Attenborough.
Length (shank removed): 8”
Bell Diameter: 3.5”
Bore: .457
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