The Web address of this page is http://www.euchmi.ed.ac.uk/am/gdkl.html
This list includes instruments which are in one of the following categories:
Wherever possible one of the authors (Arnold Myers, Frank Tomes or Lance Whitehead) has examined the item, but in other cases the information has come from the published catalogues, check-lists and websites of museums or from personal communications. The authors welcome comments, corrections and further information, e-mail: a.myers[at]ed.ac.uk
Serial numbers are given {in braces}. Dates given in bold are derived from specific inscriptions or documentary sources,
other dates are derived from the biographical material presented in the article, “The Kohler Family of Brasswind Instrument Makers”.
Live links to other websites are given for some instruments.
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Contents
[ 1790 - 1809 ] clockspring slide trumpet, brass; ornamental ball and garland;
embossed on garland “KOHLER / LONDON”.
[ Crispian Steele Perkins; Auction on eBay ends 2021/Aug/06 10:54 BST ]
[ 1794 - 1816 ] short model (two-coil) trumpet, brass; plain garland;
embossed on garland with lion, prince of wales feathers, unicorn / “KÖHLER / ST JAMES'S ST / LONDON”.
[ Drury Lane Theatre; Crispian Steele Perkins; Auction on eBay ends 2021/Aug/06 10:54 BST ]
[ 1794 - 1816 ] bugle, single coil, copper with brass garland;
embossed on garland with lion, prince of wales feathers, unicorn / “I.KÖHLER / ST JAMES'S ST / LONDON”, lion, prince of wales feathers, unicorn.
[ Bonhams auction sale ]
[ 1835 ] Keyed bugle, MacFarlane's Improved with hallmarked silver fittings hall-marked for London, 1835; 10 keys;
engraved on mouthpiece receiver sheath parallel with bore "Macfarlane's Improved / =
MANUFACTURED by I. KOHLER, HENRIETTA ST COVENT GARDEN / London"; =
the keys and finger-rest hallmarked incorporating "IK" and the letter "u" (indicating 1835).
[ John Webb; Royal Conservatoire of Scotland 255 ]
[ 1835-36 ] Keyed bugle in B♭, silver and gilt; 10 keys;
on bell with arms of Chamberlayne / MORS POTIOR MACULA (death is preferable to dishour);
engraved on garland “MCFARLANE'S IMPROVED MANUFACTURED BY I. KOHLER LONDON” / arms of Chamberlayne impaling arms of Onslow.
original box with maker's card “KOHLER & SON / ...” glued inside lid.
[ Boston Museum of Fine Arts 1986.23 ]
[ 1830 - c 1863 ] bugle, single coil, copper with brass garland;
embossed on garland with lion, prince of wales feathers, unicorn / “I.KÖHLER / ST JAMES'S ST / LONDON”, lion, prince of wales feathers, unicorn.
[ Bonhams auction sale ]
[ 1830 - c 1863 ] short model (two-coil) brass cavalry trumpet, brass; plain garland;
embossed on garland with lion, prince of wales feathers, unicorn / “KÖHLER / ST JAMES'S ST / LONDON”.
[ Drury Lane Theatre; Private collection, Britain ]
[ 1830 - c 1863 ] short model (two-coil) brass cavalry trumpet, decorated garland;
embossed at top of garland “??? 35 HENRIETTA ST COVT GARDEN”
and below within wreath of foliage on garland “KÖHLER / LONDON”.
[ Warwickshire Museum Service M 28 ]
[ 1830 - c 1863 ] short model (two-coil) brass cavalry trumpet in E♭, decorated garland and ferrules;
engraved on garland “35 HENRIETTA ST COVT GARDEN” and “KÖHLER / LONDON” inside a wreath.
[ Private collection, U.S.A. ]
[ 1830 - c 1863 ] short model (two-coil) brass cavalry trumpet in E♭, decorated garland and ferrules;
engraved on garland “35 HENRIETTA ST COVT GARDEN / KÖHLER / LONDON”;
on associated mouthpiece “KÖHLER & SON / LONDON”.
[ Boston Museum of Fine Arts 17.1993, ex- F.W. Galpin (Lesley Lindsey Mason Collection ]
[ 1830 - c 1863 ] Keyed bugle, copper and brass; brass garland; 10 keys;
stamped “Macfarlane's Improved / MANUFACTURED by I. KOHLER / HENRIETTA ST / COVENT GARDEN / London”.
[ University of Oxford, Bate Collection 600x ]
[ 1830 - c 1863, probably c 1835 ] E♭ tenor ophicleide; brass; 11 flat keys on pillars; flat springs;
long G♯ key for L0;
inscribed “... / Köhler, 35 Henrietta Street / ...”;
also engraved “Royal Marine Artillery No. 15”.
[ Boosey & Hawkes Collection: Chatwin 164, Baines catalogue No. 546; Horniman Museum, London 2004.1173 ]
[ 1830 - c 1863, probably c 1835 ] F trumpet, 2 Stölzel valves, fixed mouthpipe,
crooks possibly but not necessary used; with decorative garland;
inscribed on garland “KOHLER / 35 Henrietta St / Covent Garden / London”.
[ University of Glasgow, Hunterian Museun 112064 (Bernard Hague Collection: Interim Catalogue of the Hague Collection, item 63) ]
[ 1830 - c 1863, probably c 1835 ] keyed bugle;
inscribed on bell garland “KOHLER / HENRIETTA ST / COVENT.GARDEN / LONDON”.
[ Royal College of Music Museum of Instruments, London, 326-BS/6 ]
[ 1830 - c 1863, probably c 1835 ] keyed bugle;
[ auction on eBay ends 2010/Jan/12 14:27:56 GMT ]
[ 1830 - c 1863, probably c 1845 ] ophicleide;
inscribed on bell “KOHLER HENRIETTA ST COVENT GARDEN LONDON”.
[ Private collection, Britain ]
[ 1830 - c 1863, probably c 1855 ] ophicleide;
inscribed on bell “KOHLER / HENRIETTA ST / COVENT GARDEN / LONDON” with crowned lion emblem.
[ University of Leipzig Museum of Musical Instruments, inventory number 3599 ]
[ 1850 ] keyed bugle, sterling silver; 10 keys;
“J. Köhler, 35, Henrietta Street, Covent Garden, London”;
engraved with presentation details, 5 Oct 1850.
[ Private collection; The Galpin Society European Musical Instruments Exhibition (Edinburgh, August-September 1968) Catalogue No. 380 ].
[ February 1856 ] sectional demonstration french horn;
inscribed on bell garand “KOHLER / HENRIETTA ST / COVENT.GARDEN / LONDON”.
[ Edinburgh University Collection of Historic Musical Instruments (490) ]
[ 1862 ] bugle, silver;
inscribed on the bell “Presented / TO THE / WARWICKSHIRE / YEOMANRY CAVALRY / BY / George Chetwynd Bart / 1862”; and on the embossed garland “KOHLER / Maker” and “[?] HENRIETTA STT COVENT GARDEN LONDON”.
[ Warwickshire Yeomanry Museum, Warwick ]
[ 1830 - c 1863, probably c 1845 ] cornet in B♭, double-piston valves;
inscribed “Kohler, Henrietta Street, London”.
[ Museum of Army Music, Royal Military School of Music, Kneller Hall, London, 175 ]
[ a 1863 ] cornet in B♭ etc, 3 Périnet valves, bottom sprung;
inscribed around bell rim “Köhler, Maker, Henrietta St. Covent Garden. London”.
[ Edinburgh University Collection of Historic Musical Instruments (4254) ]
[ a 1863 ] cornetto in E♭ etc, 3 Périnet valves; long model; ligature tuning, brass, alternative shank with coil for D♭;
inscribed near bell rim “Köhler, Maker, Henrietta St,, Covent Garden, London”.
[ John Webb; Royal Conservatoire of Scotland 301 ]
[ a 1863 ] echo cornet in B♭ etc; silver-plated; with crooks; inscribed on bell “KÖHLER'S PATENT / HARMONIC CORNOPEAN” and near rim “Köhler, Maker, Henrietta St,, Covent Garden, London”.
[ John Webb; Royal Conservatoire of Scotland 393 ]
[ a 1863 ] baritone in B♭ etc, 3 Périnet valves; inscribed on a plaque on the bell “KOHLER / 35 HENRIETTA ST / COVENT.GARDEN / LONDON”.
[ Private collection, Australia ]
[ ? ] Echo cornet.
[ Private collection, U.S.A. ]
{No serial number} [ 1830 - c 1863 ] cornopean, brass, 3 Stölzel valves, clapper key;
stamped on bell near garland “MACFARLANE'S IMPROVED / Cornopean” and
below on bell garland “KOHLER / HENRIETTA.ST / COVENT.GARDEN / LONDON”.
[ Vichy auction 15.12.12 lot 475 ]
{?} [ ? ] cornopean, 3 Stölzel valves, clapper key;
Inscribed on bell “MacFarlane's improved Cornopean manufactured by J. Kohler, London”.
[ University of Leicester (Charles Moore Collection) 1.27.5 ]
{660} [ ? ] cornopean, brass, 3 Stölzel valves, clapper key;
inscribed “MACFARLANE'S IMPROVED / Cornopean / 660” and “... / KOHLER / HENRIETTA ST / ...”.
[ Boosey & Hawkes Collection: Baines catalogue No. 700; Horniman Museum, London 2004.1042 ]
{885} [ ? ] cornopean, brass, 3 Stölzel valves, clapper key, garland;
stamped on bell immediately above the garland in a horseshoe
“MCFARLANE'S IMPROVED” and within the horseshoe “Cornopean / 885”
[ ex- L.G. Langwill; Jeremy Montagu Colection IV 58; The Galpin Society European Musical Instruments Exhibition (Edinburgh, August-September 1968) Catalogue No. 338; illustrated in Jeremy Montagu, The World of Romantic and Modern Musical Instruments. Newton Abbot: David and Charles, 1981, pl.70 ]
{895} [ ? ] cornopean
inscribed “MC.FARLANE'S IMPROVED / Cornopean / 895” and
“KOHLER / Maker / HENRIETTA ST / COVENT GARDEN / LONDON”.
[ Sotheby's London auction sale 4 Jun 1982 lot 21 ]
{916} [ ? ] cornopean, brass, 3 Stölzel valves not in line; clapper key;
inscribed “MACFARLANE'S IMPROVED / Cornopean / 916” and
“... / KOHLER / HENRIETTA ST / ...”.
[ Boosey & Hawkes Collection: Baines catalogue No. 701; Horniman Museum, London 2004.790 ]
{976} [ 1849 or earlier? ] cornopean, brass, 3 Stölzel valves not in line; clapper key;
inscribed on bell “MC.FARLANE'S IMPROVED / Cornopean / 976” and
on garland “KOHLER / HENRIETTA ST / COVENT GARDEN / LONDON”.
[ Simon Richards 27 Jun 1849; Museum of Army Music, Royal Military School of Music, Kneller Hall, London, 316 ]
{1039} [ ? ] cornopean, brass, 3 Stölzel valves.
[ Phillips auction, London, 20.7.78 lot 8 ]
{1116} [ ? ] cornopean, brass, 3 Stölzel valves, clapper key, no garland;
stamped on front of bell “MACFARLANE'S IMPROVED / Cornopean / 1116” and
below on bell garland “Kohler Maker Henrietta St Covent Garden London”.
[ University of Oxford, Bate Collection 640 ]
{1164} [ ? ] cornopean, brass, 3 Stölzel valves, no clapper key, no garland;
stamped on front of bell “MACFARLANE'S IMPROVED / Cornopean / 1164” and below around rim “Köhler, Maker, Henrietta St,, Covent Garden London.”.
[ Private collection, U.S.A. ]
{1178} [ ? ] cornopean, brass, 3 Stölzel valves, clapper key, no garland; shanks and crooks for B♭, A, A♭, G and F;
inscribed on bell (in semi-circle) “McFARLANE'S IMPROVED” / (in middle of semi-circle) “Cornopean / 1178” / (beneath semi-circle) “Kohler Maker, Henrietta St. Covent Garden London”.
[ Phillips auction, London, 12.7.79 lot 12; National Music Museum 7333 (Utley Collection) ]
{1209} [ ? ] cornopean, brass, 3 Stölzel valves.
[ Sotheby's auction, London, 9.11.78 lot 138 ]
{1268} [ ? ] cornopean, 3 Stölzel valves, clapper key, no garland;
Inscribed on bell, the first section inscribed in an upward curve
“IMPROVED CORNOPEAN / 1268 / Köhler, Maker, Henrietta St Covent Garden London”.
[ National Music Museum, Vermillion, 0424 (Arne B. Larson Collection) ]
{1279} [ ? ] cornopean, 3 Stölzel valves, clapper key, no garland;
Inscribed on bell, the first section inscribed in an upward curve
“IMPROVED CORNOPEAN / 1279 / Köhler, Maker, Henrietta St,, Covent Garden London”.
[ Musée de la Musique, Paris ]
{1302} [ ? ] cornopean, 3 Stölzel valves, clapper key;
Inscribed on bell “IMPROVED CORNOPEAN / 1302 / Köhler, Maker, Henrietta St Covent Garden London”.
[ Private collection, Germany ]
{1897} [ ? ] cornopean, silver-plated , 3 Stölzel valves;
marked “Improved / Cornopean / 1897” and
“J. Kohler, Henrietta St, Covent Garden, London”.
[ Private collection; The Galpin Society European Musical Instruments Exhibition (Edinburgh, August-September 1968) Catalogue No. 339 ].
{?} [ ? ] cornopean with clapper key;
“KOHLER, Henrietta St. Covent Garden. London”.
[ Albert Spencer; Brighton Museum R5773/40 ].
{No serial number} slide trumpet, clockspring model;
inscribed on garland “KÖHLER / LONDON”.
[ Private collection, Britain ]
{No serial number} [ 1835 ] slide trumpet, clockspring model;
inscribed around top of garland “T. HARPER'S IMPROVED MANUFACTURED BY I. KÖHLER”; and below on garland “35 Henrietta St / Covent Garden / London”; above on bell “Lord Arundell”.
[ Lord Arundell; John Webb; Royal Conservatoire of Scotland 465; illustrated in Historic Brass Society Journal 1993 5 p.265 ]
{No serial number} [ p 1834 ] slide trumpet, tension spiral wire spring; no bell garland;
inscribed on bell, the first section inscribed in an upward curve “T. HARPER'S IMPROVED / / Köhler, Maker Henrietta St Covent Garden London”.
[ National Music Museum, Vermillion, 0420 (Arne B. Larson Collection) ]
{No serial number} [ 1834-63 ] gilding metal with silver ferrules;
elastic or tension spring slide trumpet; with garland;
inscribed around top of garland “T. HARPER'S IMPROVED MANUFACTURED BY I. KÖHLER”.
Inscribed on shield in centre of garland “Henrietta St / Covent Garden / London”.
[ Vichy Auction 7.4.18 lot 350 ]
{No serial number} Clockspring slide trumpet with garland;
inscribed “J. Kohler / ...”.
[ Private collection, Britain ]
{No serial number} [ 1834-63 ] brass; clockspring model slide trumpet converted to elastic return; with embossed garland;
inscribed around top of garland “T. HARPER'S IMPROVED MANUFACTURED BY I. KÖHLER”
inscribed on shield in centre of garland “35 / Henrietta. St / Covent Garden / London”.
[ Private collection, Britain ]
{No serial number} [ 1834-63 ] Plated; elastic return slide trumpet; with embossed garland;
inscribed around top of garland “T. HARPER'S IMPROVED MANUFACTURED BY I. KÖHLER”
inscribed on shield in centre of garland “Henrietta St / Covent Garden / London”.
[University of Oxford, Bate Collection 640 (Reginal Morley-Pegge Collection) ]
{No serial number} Slide trumpet, gilding metal or copper bell, mpipe, bow and yards,
brass slide and bow,
ornate silver ferrules, garland and ball;
inscribed on garland, “T + HARPER'S IMPROVED MANUFACTURED by I. KOHLER / 35 / Henrietta St. / Covent Garden / London”.
[ Wilhelm Bernoulli; Musikmuseum Basel 1980.2426, illustrated in Historisches Museum Basel Jahresbericht 1998 ]
{No serial number} [ 1860 ] slide trumpet, silver, elastic model; with crooks, 2 probably original mouthpieces, and brass-bound mahogany case;
engraved round the rim of the bell “T. HARPER'S IMPROVED. - KÖHLER, MAKER. LONDON.”;
hallmarked 1860.
[ Formerly owned by Thomas Harper Jnr; John Webb; Royal Conservatoire of Scotland 462; illustrated in The Galpin Society Made for Music Exhibition (London, 1986) item 152 ; also illustrated in Galpin Society Journal March 1984 XXXVII Plate V (instrument) and Plate IV (mouthpieces); also illustrated in Historic Brass Society Journal 1993 5 p.265 (instrument); p. 275 (mouthpieces) ].
evidently the use of serial numbers on this model was intermittent
{No serial number} Slide trumpet; brass; helical spring, ornamental ferrules;
inscribed “... / J. Köhler, 35 Henrietta Street / Harper's Improved / ...”.
[ Boosey & Hawkes Collection: Chatwin catalogue 164, Baines catalogue No. 611; Horniman Museum, London 2004.920 ]
{No serial number} [ “early” ] clockspring slide trumpet; brass; decorated garland;
inscribed “J. Kohler” and no mention of Harper.
[ Private collection, Britain ]
{12} [ before 1862 ] clockspring slide trumpet; brass; decorated garland;
inscribed around top of garland “MANUFACTURED. by I. KÖHLER” and “T. HARPER'S IMPROVED”;
inscribed on shield in centre of garland, “12 / 35 Henrietta St / Covent Garden / London”.
[ Musée de la Musique, Paris No. E.260, acquired 5 Nov 1862 ]
{40} [ "early" ] clockspring slide trumpet; brass with decorated brass ferrules and decorated brass garland;
inscribed around top of garland “T. HARPER'S IMPROVED MANUFACTURED BY I. KÖHLER”;
inscribed on shield in centre of garland “35 / Henrietta St / Covent Garden / London”;
inscribed on clock spring facing plate “40” [read with bell pointing downwards].
[ Private Collection, France ]
{66} alternative reading of “99” q.v.
{79} J. Kohler Brass, Clockspring
[ Private collection, Britain ]
{80} Brass clockspring slide trumpet with garland;
inscribed around garland in narrow band “T. HARPER'S IMPROVED MANUFACTURED BY I. KÖHLER”;
stamped on clock spring casing facing plate “80”.
[ Private collection, Britain, formerly on loan to the Museum of Army Music, Royal Military School of Music, Kneller Hall, London (153) ]
{90} [ "early" ] clockspring slide trumpet; brass with silver ball, ferrules and garland; decorated garland;
inscribed around top of garland “T. HARPER'S IMPROVED” “MANUFACTURED BY I. KÖHLER”;
inscribed on shield in centre of garland “35. / Henrietta St / Covent Garden / London”;
inscribed on clock spring facing plate “90”.
[ Private collection, U.S.A. ]
{97} (slide trumpet; brass; clockspring;
inscribed on the bell “T. Harper's improved. Kohler, Maker, London.”.
[ Private collection, U.S.A. ]
{99} [ "early" ] clockspring slide trumpet; brass with silver ferrules and garland; decorated garland;
inscribed around top of garland “T. HARPER'S IMPROVED” “MANUFACTURED BY I. KÖHLER”;
inscribed on shield in centre of garland “35 / Henrietta St / Covent Garden / London”;
inscribed on clock spring facing plate “99” [read with bell pointing downwards];
[crooks numbered; mouthpiece not marked].
[ Edward Croft-Murray; Sotheby's auction 10.11.04 lot 246; Maximilian Goldgruber; Private Collection, Germany ]
{120} (clockspring slide trumpet; with embossed garland;
inscribed around top of garland “T. HARPER'S IMPROVED MANUFACTURED BY J. KÖHLER”;
inscribed on shield in centre of garland, “Henrietta St / Covent Garden / London”;
stamped on clock spring casing facing plate “120”).
[ Horsham Museum, West Sussex, inventory number 1930.352 ]
{124} (clockspring slide trumpet;
marked “T. Harper's improved. Manufactured by I. Köhler / Henrietta Street / Covent Garden / London”;
stamped on outside of spring casing “124”;
stamped on inside cover of spring casing “WW”.
[ Powerhouse Museum, Sydney, Australia, H4813 ]
{126} (clockspring slide trumpet; ornamental garland;
[ Current location not known ]
{142} (brass clockspring slide trumpet; ornamental ball and garland;
inscribed on bell “T. Harper's Improved, Manufactured by I. Kohler, Henrietta Street, Covent Garden, London”.
stamped on outside of spring casing “142”).
[Sotheby's auction 5.4.84 lot 130]
{143} (brass clockspring slide trumpet, altered to Spiral spring).
[ Horniman Museum, London 14.5.47 C.147 (Adam Carse Collection) ]
[ c 1863 - 1881 ] KÖHLER & SON. / Sole Makers. / 35. Henrietta St,, Covent Garden, London
{149} [ c 1870 ] elastic or tension spring slide trumpet, no garland;
inscribed “T. HARPER'S IMPROVED / 149 / KÖHLER & SON. / Sole Makers / 35. Henrietta St. Covent Garden London”.
[ Edinburgh University Collection of Historic Musical Instruments (2977) ]
Earliest numbered elastic or tension spring
{151} slide trumpet; no garland; 3-part ball; 3 barley-twist ferrules; elastic return; crooks for E,\ E♭, D, C, bits, etc.
inscribed on bell “T. HARPER'S IMPROVED / 151 / KÖHLER / Sole Maker / 35, Henrietta St. Covent Garden, London”.
[ Gardiner Houlgate auction 20 Mar 2009, lot 32; John Webb; Crispian Steele-Perkins; =
Auction on eBay ends 2021/Ju1/17 17:10 BST ]
{161} [ c 1863 - 1871 ] elastic or tension spring slide trumpet, no garland;
inscribed “T. HARPER'S IMPROVED / 161 / KÖHLER & SON. / Sole Makers / 35. Henrietta St. Covent Garden London”.
[ Edinburgh University Collection of Historic Musical Instruments (6050) ]
{162} Kohler & Son
[ Royal Society of Musicians ]
{165} (brass clockspring slide trumpet with garland;
inscribed around top of garland “T. HARPER'S IMPROVED MANUFACTURED by I. KOHLER”.
Inscribed on shield in centre of garland “Henrietta St / Covent Garden / London”;
Inscribed on clock spring facing plate “165”.
[ Joseph Wood (`Trumpeter Joe') 1829-1896; Edinburgh University Collection of Historic Musical Instruments (2975) ]
Latest numbered clockspring
{166} [ 1871 ] (silver slide trumpet; helical spring;
inscribed “... / Köhler & Son, 35 Henrietta Street / Harper's Improved / ...” ;
hallmarked 1871.
[ Thomas Harper Jnr; Sotheby's auction sale 22 Dec 1898 lot 382 sold for £11/0/0 to Bertram; Boosey & Hawkes Collection: Baines catalogue No. 610; Horniman Museum, London 2004.872 ]
{167} [ c 1880 ] elastic or tension spring slide trumpet; silver; no garland;
inscribed on bell “T. Harper's improved / 167 / KÖHLER & SON / Sole Makers / 35 Henrietta Street Covent Garden / London”;
(Crooks not marked; mouthpiece by Ward & Sons, Liverpool)
[ Sotheby's auction 10.11.04 lot 282 ]
{171} [ c 1880 ] elastic or tension spring slide trumpet, no garland;
inscribed “R.I.O. / Covent Garden. / T. Harper's Improved. / 171 / KÖHLER & SON. / Sole Makers / 35, Henrietta St. Covent Garden, London”.
[ Private collection, Germany; Bad Säckingen Exhibition No. 31; Edward Tarr, The Trumpet p.154 ]
{174} [ c 1880 ] brass; elastic return slide trumpet.
Engraved on bell “Harper's Improved. / 174 / KÖHLER & SON. / Sole Makers. / 35. Henrietta St,, Covent Garden, London”.
[ Private collection, Britain ]
{176} [ c 1881 ] brass; elastic return slide trumpet.
Engraved on bell “Harper's Improved. / 176 / KÖHLER & SON. / Sole Makers. / 35. Henrietta St,, Covent Garden, London”.
[ Museum of Army Music, Royal Military School of Music, Kneller Hall, London, 152 ]
{178} [ c 1881 ] plated; elastic return slide trumpet; no garland.
Engraved on bell “T. Harper's Improved. / 178 / KÖHLER & SON. / Sole Makers. / 35. Henrietta St,, Covent Garden, London”.
[ Thomas Harper Jnr; Sotheby's auction sale 22 Dec 1898 lot 380 sold for £3/0/0 to Dixon; Royal College of Music Museum of Instruments, London, 252 ]
{179} [ c 1881 ] slide trumpet; no garland, brass, helical spring.
inscribed on bell “1851” / two medals / “1862” / “T. Harper's Improved. / 179 / KÖHLER & SON. / Sole Makers. / 35. Henrietta St Covent Garden, London”.
[ Musikinstrumenten-Museum, Berlin No. 1095 ]
[ 1881 - 1890 ] KÖHLER & SON / MAKERS / 116. VICTORIA STREET / WESTMINSTER / LONDON
{183} [ c 1881 ] elastic or tension spring slide trumpet; no garland.
Engraved on bell “T. Harper's Improved. / 183 / KÖHLER & SON. / Sole Makers. / 35. Henrietta St,, Covent Garden, London”;
Original wooden case, painted black, with purple felt-cloth lining,
iron fittings and a printed paper label inside:
coat of arms with lion's head, unicorn, clover, thistle and rose and the inscription
“HONI SOIT QUI MAL Y PENSE / DIEU E M N DROIT / KÖHLER & SON, / Military Musical Instrument Makers / TO HER MAJESTY'S ARMY & NAVY, / 116. Victoria Street, Westminster, London. S.W.”;
brass mouthpiece with silver rim,
stamped KÖHLER & SON / LONDON; three tuning bits; one bent tuning shank stamped “F”;
four coiled crooks stamped “E♮”, “E♭”, “D” and “C”.
[ National Music Museum 7115 (Utley Collection) ]
{185} [ c 1881 ] elastic return slide trumpet.
Engraved on bell “T. Harper's Improved. / 185 / KÖHLER & SON. / Sole Makers. / 35. Henrietta St,, Covent Garden, London”;
[ Private collection, Britain ]
{191} slide trumpet; gilding metal with yellow brass fittings; no garland, elastic.
Inscribed on the bell: “T. HARPER'S IMPROVED / 191 / 1861” two medals “1862 / KÖHLER & SON / MAKERS / 116. VICTORIA STREET / WESTMINSTER / LONDON”.
[ John Webb; Royal Conservatoire of Scotland 466 ]
Medallion probably used on production from 1870 or so
[ 1890 - 1896 ] KÖHLER & SON / MAKERS / 61 VICTORIA STREET / WESTMINSTER / LONDON
{193} [ 1890 - 1896 ] slide trumpet; gilding metal with yellow brass fittings; no garland, elastic.
Inscribed “... / KÖHLER & SON / MAKERS / 61. VICTORIA STREET / WESTMINSTER / LONDON / ...”.
[ Private collection, Britain ]
{195} [ 1890 - 1896 ] slide trumpet; gilding metal with yellow brass fittings; no garland, elastic.
Inscribed on bell “Harper's Improved / 195” / “1851” / two medals / “1862” / “KÖHLER & SON / MAKERS / 61. VICTORIA STREET / WESTMINSTER / LONDON”.
[ Stadtmuseum, Köln No. 311 ]
{196} [ 1890 - 1896 ] slide trumpet; gilding metal with yellow brass fittings; no garland, elastic.
Inscribed “... / KÖHLER & SON / MAKERS / 61. VICTORIA STREET / WESTMINSTER / LONDON / ...”.
[ Horniman Museum, London 14.5.47 C.71 (Adam Carse Collection) ]
Inscriptions not known
{?} Kohler slide trumpet
[ Torquay Museum ]
{?} Kohler slide trumpet, “Harper's Improved” with case and crooks for E, Eb, D and C.
[ Private collection ]
{?} Kohler slide trumpet.
[ Private collection, Britain ]
{?} Kohler & Son slide trumpet, silver, “Harper's Improved”
[ Thomas Harper Jnr; Sotheby's auction sale 22 Dec 1898 lot 381 sold for £14/10/0 to Dixon; Current location not known ]
One from the estate of Thomas Harper was sold at Sotheby's 22 Dec 1898 lot 376 to Dixon for £1/10/0.
[ Current location not known ]
Walking stick trumpet;
stamped on bell “KÖHLER / MAKERS / LONDON”.
[ Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, 89.4.1172 (Crosby Brown Collection)]
Walking stick trumpet, the bell section missing.
[ Royal College of Music Museum of Instruments, London ]
Walking stick trumpet, the bell section missing.
[ Private collection, U.S.A. ]
1838 John Shaw's agreement with Köhler
{No serial number} [ c 1838 ] Trumpet in F; brass, two swivel valves without touchpieces;
[ Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, 89.4.2532 (Crosby Brown Collection); illustrated in Historic Brass Society Journal 1999 11 p.144 ].
Patent swivel valves, sole survivor
{3} [ c 1839 ] Trumpet in F; brass, two early disc valves with touchpieces;
signed “KOHLER SOLE MAKER / 35, HENRIETTA STT / COVENT GARDEN LONDON / 3 / BY HER MAJESTY'S / ROYAL LETTERS PATENT” / Royal arms [lion and unicorn]).
[ Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, 89.4.2531 (Crosby Brown Collection);
illustrated in Historic Brass Society Journal 1999 11 p.145 ].
Disc valves with moving loops, sole survivor
{10} [ c 1839 ] Trumpet in F; brass 2 valves;
on applied, die-stamped plate on bell “BY HER 10 MAJESTY'S / ROYAL LETTERS PATENT / Royal arms (lion and unicorn) / KOHLER SOLE MAKER / 35, HENRIETTA STT / COVENT GARDEN LONDON”;
on side of plaque “J, SHAW / INVENTOR”, the “10” engraved.
[ Brighton Museum R5773/38 (Albert Spencer Collection); The Galpin Society European Musical Instruments Exhibition (Edinburgh, August-September 1968) Catalogue No. 324 ].
{27} [ c 1840 ] Trumpet in F; brass; 3 valves, probably modified
inscribed “... / Köhler / 35 Henrietta Street / ...”.
[ Boosey & Hawkes Collection: Baines catalogue No. 621; Horniman Museum, London 2004.870 ]
{35} [ c 1840 ] Trumpet; brass 2 valves, watch springs, with decorative garland;
on applied, die-stamped plate on bell “BY HER 35 MAJESTY'S / ROYAL LETTERS PATENT / Royal arms (lion and unicorn) / KOHLER SOLE MAKER / 35, HENRIETTA STT / COVENT GARDEN LONDON”;
on side of plaque “J, SHAW / INVENTOR”, the “35” engraved;
embossed below, on garland “KÖHLER MANUFACTURER HENRIETTA ST COVENT GARDEN LONDON”.
[ National Music Museum 7126; (Utley Collection); Sotheby's auction 18.11.93 lot 137 ]
{No serial number} [ c 1840 ] Trumpet in F, 3 valves; watchsprings; decorative bell garland;
inscribed around top of bell garland “KÖHLER MANUFACTURER HENRIETTA ST. COVENT GARDEN LONDON”;
shield not inscribed.
[ Edinburgh University Collection of Historic Musical Instruments (869) ]
No die-stamped plate or trace of one; no serial number
{70} [ c 1841 ] Cornet in B♭; brass; disc-valves, modified
[ Private collection, Britain ]
{78} [ c 1842 ] Cornet; brass, watch springs, no garland;
on applied, die-stamped plate on bell “BY HER 78 MAJESTY'S / ROYAL LETTERS PATENT / Royal arms (lion and unicorn) / KOHLER SOLE MAKER / 35, HENRIETTA STT / COVENT GARDEN LONDON”;
on side of plaque “J, SHAW / INVENTOR”, the “78” engraved.
[ Phillips auction 7.8.97 Lot 20; Tony Bingham; Frank Tomes 244; Vichy auction 10.11.18 lot 360; for sale by Irene Bingham 2020 ]
{86} [ c 1842 ] French horn; brass, 2 valves, with garland;
on applied, die-stamped plate on bell “BY HER 86 MAJESTY'S / ROYAL LETTERS PATENT / Royal arms (lion and unicorn) / KOHLER SOLE MAKER / 35, HENRIETTA STT / COVENT GARDEN LONDON”;
on side of plaque “J, SHAW / INVENTOR”, the “86” engraved;
stamped below, on garland “KÖHLER / HENRIETTA ST / COVENT GARDEN / LONDON”.
[ Boston Museum of Fine Arts 17.2003, ex- F.W. Galpin (Lesley Lindsey Mason Collection ]
the sole surviving disc-valve french horn
{108} [ c 1842 ] B♭ cornet, brass, clapper key;
main tuning slide drooping in front of 3rd valve plate; no garland, watchsprings;
With applied plate on bell).
[ University of Michigan School of Music, Stearns Collection of Musical Instruments 863; James Borders, European and American wind and percussion instruments, catalogue of the Stearns Collection of Musical Instruments,
University of Michigan. Ann Arbor: University of Michigan Press, 1988, p.123, illustrated p.122 ]
{127} [ c 1843 ] Cornopean; brass, with clapper key
on applied, die-stamped plate on bell “BY HER 127 MAJESTY'S / ROYAL LETTERS PATENT / Royal arms (lion and unicorn) / KOHLER SOLE MAKER / 35, HENRIETTA STT / COVENT GARDEN LONDON”;
on side of plaque “J, SHAW / INVENTOR”, the “127” engraved;
below, on garland “KOHLER / HENRIETTA ST / COVENT GARDEN / LONDON”.
[ Bill Walker; Frank Tomes; Edinburgh University Collection of Historic Musical Instruments (6107) ]
{132} [ c 1843 ] Cornet in B♭ etc; silver-plated, watch springs, garland;
on applied, die-stamped plate on bell “BY HER 132 MAJESTY'S / ROYAL LETTERS PATENT / Royal arms (lion and unicorn) / KOHLER SOLE MAKER / 35, HENRIETTA STT / COVENT GARDEN LONDON”;
on side of plaque “J, SHAW / INVENTOR”, the “132” engraved;
below, on garland “KOHLER / HENRIETTA ST / COVENT GARDEN / LONDON”.
[ Vichy auction 17 Dec 2011; Current location not known ]
{140} [ c 1843 ] B♭ Cornet; brass, watch springs, with garland;
on applied, die-stamped plate on bell “BY HER 140 MAJESTY'S / ROYAL LETTERS PATENT / Royal arms (lion and unicorn) / KOHLER SOLE MAKER / 35, HENRIETTA STT / COVENT GARDEN LONDON”;
on side of plaque “J, SHAW / INVENTOR”, the “140” engraved;
below, on garland “KOHLER / HENRIETTA ST / COVENT GARDEN / LONDON”.
[ Private collection, Britain ]
{151} [ c 1843 ] Erroneous entry in early versions of this list
{152} [ c 1843 ] B♭ cornet; brass, no garland;
on applied, die-stamped plate on bell “BY HER 152 MAJESTY'S / ROYAL LETTERS PATENT / Royal arms (lion and unicorn) / KOHLER SOLE MAKER / 35, HENRIETTA STT / COVENT GARDEN LONDON”;
on side of plaque “J, SHAW / INVENTOR”, the “152” engraved.
[ Vichy auction 15.12.12 lot 480 ]
{165} [ c 1843 ] B♭ cornet, watch springs, with garland;
windway runs mouthpiece receiver - mts - 1 - 3 - 2 - bell; on applied, die-stamped plate on bell and on garland “KOHLER / HENRIETTA ST / COVENT GARDEN / LONDON”.
[ Sotheby's auction 21.11.96 lot 33; Private collection, Germany ]
{168} [ c 1843 ] B♭ cornopean, watch springs, no garland; in case.
[ Karl Burri collection; Klingendes Museum, Bern, Switzerland, 78 ]
{173} [ c 1843 ] Erroneous entry in early versions of this list
{189} [ c 1844 ] Cornetto [E♭ soprano cornet]; brass, watch springs, with clapper key;
on applied, die-stamped plate on bell “BY HER 189 MAJESTY'S / ROYAL LETTERS PATENT / Royal arms (lion and unicorn) / KOHLER SOLE MAKER / 35, HENRIETTA STT / COVENT GARDEN LONDON”,
the “189” engraved.
[ Boston Museum of Fine Arts 17.1986, ex- F.W. Galpin (Lesley Lindsey Mason Collection ]
{203} [ c 1844 ] cornet
[ not located ]
{288} [ c 1845 ] Cornet in B♭ etc; disc valves, watch springs;
on applied, die-stamped plate on bell “BY HER 288 MAJESTY'S / ROYAL LETTERS PATENT / Royal arms (lion and unicorn) / KOHLER SOLE MAKER / 35, HENRIETTA STT / COVENT GARDEN LONDON”;
on side of plaque “J, SHAW / INVENTOR”, the “288” engraved.
[ National Music Museum, Vermillion, 0442 (Arne B. Larson Collection) ]
{302} [ c 1845 ] Cornet in B♭ etc; disc valves, watch springs; no garland;
on applied, die-stamped plate on bell “BY HER 302 MAJESTY'S / ROYAL LETTERS PATENT / Royal arms (lion and unicorn) / KOHLER SOLE MAKER / 35, HENRIETTA STT / COVENT GARDEN LONDON”;
on side of plaque “J, SHAW / INVENTOR”, the “302” engraved.
[ Royal College of Music Museum of Instruments, London, 506 ]
{305} [ c 1845 ] Cornet in B♭; silverplated, no garland; springs in push-rod guide cases (probably retrofitted); on applied, die-stamped plate on bell “BY HER 305 MAJESTY'S / ROYAL LETTERS PATENT / Royal arms (lion and unicorn) / KOHLER SOLE MAKER / 35, HENRIETTA STT / COVENT GARDEN LONDON”;
on side of plaque “J, SHAW / INVENTOR”, the “305” engraved.
[ Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, 2002.189 ]
{308} [ c 1845 ]
[ not located ]
{338} [ c 1846] Cornet in B♭, brass, 3 valves, watch springs in drums on valve axles, guide tubes; windway runs mouthpiece receiver 2 - 3- mts - 1 - bell; on applied, die-stamped plate on bell “BY HER 338 MAJESTY'S / ROYAL LETTERS PATENT / Royal arms (lion and unicorn) / KOHLER SOLE MAKER / 35, HENRIETTA STT / COVENT GARDEN LONDON”;
on side of plaque “J, SHAW / INVENTOR”, the “338” engraved.
[ Musical Instruments Museum, Brussels M-1300 ]
{379} [ c 1846 ] Cornopean or cornet; 3 valves, watch springs in drums on valve axles; no garland, brass).
[ Horniman Museum, London 14.5.47 C.35 (Adam Carse Collection) ]
{382} [ c 1846 ] Cornet; brass, watch springs; no garland.
on applied, die-stamped plate on bell “BY HER 382 MAJESTY'S / ROYAL LETTERS PATENT / Royal arms (lion and unicorn) / KOHLER SOLE MAKER / 35, HENRIETTA STT / COVENT GARDEN LONDON”;
on side of plaque “J, SHAW / INVENTOR”, the “382” engraved.
[ National Music Museum 7063; (Utley Collection) ]
{397} [ c 1846 ] B♭ cornet; brass; main tuning slide drooping in front of 3rd valve plate; no garland; watchsprings; with applied plate on bell).
[ Mrs Rusty Wordley; Sotheby' auction 25.11.76 lot 40; Private collection ]
{500} [ c 1847 ] Cornet in B♭ etc; watch springs on fixed spindle; plain garland;
on applied, die-stamped plate on bell “BY HER 500 MAJESTY'S / ROYAL LETTERS PATENT / Royal arms (lion and unicorn) / KOHLER SOLE MAKER / 35, HENRIETTA STT / COVENT GARDEN LONDON”;
on side of plaque “J, SHAW / INVENTOR”, the “500” engraved;
below, on garland “KOHLER / HENRIETTA ST / COVENT GARDEN / LONDON”;
inscribed “1”, “2”, “3” on valve touchpieces).
[ Bruno Kampmann collection, 315 ]
{522} [ c 1848 ] Cornet in B♭ etc; watch springs on fixed spindle; plain garland;
on applied, die-stamped plate on bell “BY HER 522 MAJESTY'S / ROYAL LETTERS PATENT / Royal arms (lion and unicorn) / KÖHLER SOLE MAKER / 35 HENRIETTA STT / COVENT GARDEN LONDON”;
on side of plaque “J, SHAW / INVENTOR”, the “522” engraved;
below, on garland “KOHLER / HENRIETTA ST / COVENT GARDEN / LONDON”;
inscribed “1”, “2”, “3” on valve touchpieces).
[ Sotheby's auction Feb 1976 lot 35; Trompetenmuseum, Bad Säckingen Inv. Nr. 34501 ]
{611} [ c 1849 ] Cornet; brass;
on applied, die-stamped plate on bell “BY HER 611 MAJESTY'S / ROYAL LETTERS PATENT / Royal arms (lion and unicorn) / KOHLER SOLE MAKER / 35, HENRIETTA STT / COVENT GARDEN LONDON”;
on side of plaque “J, SHAW / INVENTOR”, the “611” engraved;
below, on rim “KOHLER / HENRIETTA ST / COVENT GARDEN / LONDON”.
[ Bristol City Museum T 8865 ]
{751} [ c 1850 ] Cornet in B♭ etc;
on applied, die-stamped plate on bell “BY HER 751 MAJESTY'S / ROYAL LETTERS PATENT / Royal arms (lion and unicorn) / KOHLER SOLE MAKER / 35, HENRIETTA STT / COVENT GARDEN LONDON”;
on side of plaque “J, SHAW / INVENTOR”, the “751” engraved;
below, on garland “KOHLER / HENRIETTA ST / COVENT GARDEN / LONDON”.
[ Glasgow Museums and Art Galleries '42-68r ]
{780} [ c 1850 ] Cornet in B♭ etc;
on applied, die-stamped plate on bell “BY HER 780 MAJESTY'S / ROYAL LETTERS PATENT / Royal arms (lion and unicorn) / KOHLER SOLE MAKER / 35, HENRIETTA STT / COVENT GARDEN LONDON”;
on side of plaque “J, SHAW / INVENTOR”, the “751” engraved;
below, on garland “KOHLER / HENRIETTA ST / COVENT GARDEN / LONDON”.
[ Musical Instrument Museum, Markneukirchen 684 ]
{789} [ c 1850 ] G bass valve trombone, 3 disc valves, watch springs in drums on valve axles; plain garland.
on applied, die-stamped plate on bell “BY HER 789 MAJESTY'S / ROYAL LETTERS PATENT / J. SHAW / INVENTOR / KOHLER SOLE MAKER / 35 HENRIETTA STT. / COVENT GARDEN LONDON”;
on garland “KOHLER / HENRIETTA. ST. / COVENT. GARDEN / LONDON”.
[ Edinburgh University Collection of Historic Musical Instruments (1719) ]
the sole surviving disc-valve trombone
{?} [ c 1840-50 ] Cornetto [soprano conet]; 3 valves, watch springs in drums on valve axles; no garland, silver-plated).
[ Horniman Museum, London 14.5.47 C.236 (Adam Carse Collection) ]
The last with watch springs
Circa {800} [ c 1850 ] changed from watch springs to compression springs in push-rod guide cases
{858} [ c 1851 ] Cornet; brass, springs in push-rod guide cases; no garland;
on applied, die-stamped plate on bell “BY HER 858 MAJESTY'S / ROYAL LETTERS PATENT / Royal arms (lion and unicorn) / KOHLER SOLE MAKER / 35, HENRIETTA STT / COVENT GARDEN LONDON”;
on side of plaque “J, SHAW / INVENTOR”, the “858” engraved.
[ Sotheby's auction, London, 6.3.79 lot 56; National Music Museum 7064; (Utley Collection) ]
{859} [ c 1851 ] Clavicor [althorn] in 8-ft C, springs in push-rod guide cases; no garland;
tapering mouthpipe from 9.2mm mouthpipe reciver via 8.4 minimum bore
to bore at valves respectively 11.0, 11.25 and 11.9 mm).
[ Horniman Museum, London M50-1992 ]
{898} [ c 1851 ] Cornet; brass, springs in push-rod guide cases; no garland;
on applied, die-stamped plate on bell “BY HER 898 MAJESTY'S / ROYAL LETTERS PATENT / Royal arms (lion and unicorn) / KOHLER SOLE MAKER / 35, HENRIETTA STT / COVENT GARDEN LONDON”;
on side of plaque “J, SHAW / INVENTOR”, the “898” engraved.
[ Wilhelm Bernoulli; Musikmuseum Basel 1980.2626 ]
{900} [ c 1851 ] Cornet; silver-plated; springs in push-rod guide cases; no garland; 7 shanks and crooks;
on applied, die-stamped plate on bell “BY HER 900 MAJESTY'S / ROYAL LETTERS PATENT / Royal arms (lion and unicorn) / KOHLER SOLE MAKER / 35, HENRIETTA STT / COVENT GARDEN LONDON”;
on side of plaque “J, SHAW / INVENTOR”, the “900” engraved.
[ Museum of Army Music, Royal Military School of Music, Kneller Hall, London, 173 ]
{904} [ c 1851 ] Clavicor [althorn] in 8-ft C;
“J. Köhler, 35, Henrietta Street, Covent Garden, London”
“J. Shaw inventor No. 904”.
[ Brighton Museum R5773/48 (Albert Spencer Collection); Anthony Baines, European and American Musical Instruments Plate 792; Expo Sussex Exhibition 1968, catalogue item 72; Galpin Society Exhibition, Edinburgh 1968 catalogue item 359 ].
{982} [ c 1852 ] Cornet; silver-plated; springs in push-rod guide cases;
on applied, die-stamped plate on bell “BY HER 982 MAJESTY'S / ROYAL LETTERS PATENT / Royal arms (lion and unicorn) / KOHLER SOLE MAKER / 35, HENRIETTA STT / COVENT GARDEN LONDON”;
on side of plaque “J, SHAW / INVENTOR”, the “982” engraved.
[ Private collection, Britain ]
{983} [ c 1852 ] Cornet; springs in push-rod guide cases;
on applied, die-stamped plate on bell “BY HER 983 MAJESTY'S / ROYAL LETTERS PATENT / Royal arms (lion and unicorn) / KOHLER SOLE MAKER / 35, HENRIETTA STT / COVENT GARDEN LONDON”;
on side of plaque “J, SHAW / INVENTOR”, the “983” engraved.
[ Private collection, Britain ]
{987} [ c 1852 ] Cornet in B♭ etc; springs in push-rod guide cases, French bell shape; no garland;
on applied, die-stamped plate on bell “BY HER 987 MAJESTY'S / ROYAL LETTERS PATENT / Royal arms (lion and unicorn) / KOHLER SOLE MAKER / 35, HENRIETTA STT / COVENT GARDEN LONDON”;
on side of plaque “J, SHAW / INVENTOR”, the “987” engraved.
[ Private collection, Germany ]
{1006} [ c 1853 ] Cornet, silver-plated, 1st valve semitone;
springs in push-rod guide cases, no garland, French bell shape;
on applied, die-stamped plate on bell “BY HER 1006 MAJESTY'S / ROYAL LETTERS PATENT / Royal arms (lion and unicorn) / KOHLER SOLE MAKER / 35, HENRIETTA STT / COVENT GARDEN LONDON”;
on side of plaque “J, SHAW / INVENTOR”, the “1006” engraved.
[ Vichy Auction 7.4.18 lot 320 ]
{1014} [ c 1853 ] Cornet; springs in push-rod guide cases, no garland; silver-plated;
on applied, die-stamped plate on bell “BY HER 1014 MAJESTY'S / ROYAL LETTERS PATENT / Royal arms (lion and unicorn) / KOHLER SOLE MAKER / 35, HENRIETTA STT / COVENT GARDEN LONDON”;
on side of plaque “J, SHAW / INVENTOR”, the “1014” engraved.
[ Musical Instrument Museum, Phoenix 2008.15.304 ]
{1055} [ c 1854 ] Cornet; brass; springs in push-rod guide cases; no garland;
with applied plate).
[ Hamamatsu Museum of Musical Instruments L39.6 ]
{1058} [ c 1854 ] Cornet; silver-plated, springs in push-rod guide cases, no garland;
on applied, die-stamped plate on bell “BY HER 1058 MAJESTY'S / ROYAL LETTERS PATENT / Royal arms (lion and unicorn) / KOHLER SOLE MAKER / 35, HENRIETTA STT / COVENT GARDEN LONDON”;
on side of plaque “J, SHAW / INVENTOR”, the “1058” engraved.
[ Private collection, U.S.A. ]
{1075} [ c 1854 ] Cornetto [soprano cornet] in E♭; springs in push-rod guide cases, no garland;
on applied, die-stamped plate on bell “BY HER 1075 MAJESTY'S / ROYAL LETTERS PATENT / Royal arms (lion and unicorn) / KOHLER SOLE MAKER / 35, HENRIETTA STT / COVENT GARDEN LONDON”;
on side of plaque “J, SHAW / INVENTOR”, the “1075” engraved.
[ John Webb; Royal Conservatoire of Scotland 300; illustrated in The Galpin Society Made for Music Exhibition (London, 1986) item 142 ]
{1076} [ c 1854 ] Cornet in B♭ etc; silver-plated, springs in push-rod guide cases, no garland;
on applied, die-stamped plate on bell “BY HER 1076 MAJESTY'S / ROYAL LETTERS PATENT / Royal arms (lion and unicorn) / KOHLER SOLE MAKER / 35, HENRIETTA STT / COVENT GARDEN LONDON”;
on side of plaque “J, SHAW / INVENTOR”, the “1076” engraved.
[ University of Oxford, Bate Collection 684 ]
{1092} [ c 1855 ] Cornetto [soprano cornet]; brass, springs in push-rod guide cases, no garland;
on applied, die-stamped plate on bell “BY HER 1092 MAJESTY'S / ROYAL LETTERS PATENT / Royal arms (lion and unicorn) / KOHLER SOLE MAKER / 35, HENRIETTA STT / COVENT GARDEN LONDON”;
on side of plaque “J, SHAW / INVENTOR”, the “1092” engraved.
[ University of Oxford, Bate Collection 642 ]
{3} [ 1862 - c 1863 ] fixed mouthpipe brass trumpet in F etc, 3 Berlin vaves, no garland;
stamped “Bayleys Improved / Acoustic Handelian Trumpet / Regd. April 8th. 1862 / 3 / KOHLER / Sole Maker / 35 Henrietta Street Covent Garden London”
[ Private collection, Britain ]
{10} [ 1862 - c 1863 ] cornet in B♭ etc, fixed mouthpipe, no garland;
stamped “Bayley's / Improved Acoustic Cornet / Regd. April 8th. 1862 / 10 / KÖHLER / Sole Maker / 35, HENRIETTA ST,, Covent Garden, London”.
[ Garth While; 26.4.97 Frank Tomes; Edinburgh University Collection of Historic Musical Instruments (6093) ]
{12} [ 1862 - c 1863 ] fixed mouthpipe brass trumpet in F etc, 3 Berlin vaves, no garland, with 4 tuning-slides (slide for F missing);
stamped “Bayleys Improved / Acoustic Handelian Trumpet / Regd. April 8th. 1862 / 12 / KOHLER / Sole Maker / 35 Henrietta Street Covent Garden London”;
with original case having trade card glued inside the lid:
“KOHLER & SON / Military Musical Instrument Makers / TO HER MAJESTY'S ARMY AND NAVY / 35 Henrietta Street Covent Garden / London”.
[ Sotheby's auction, London, 17.9.77 lot 45; Tony Bingham, Old Brasswind Instruments: Catalogue No 10. London: Tony Bingham, 1983 item 26; present location not known ]
{13} [ 1862 - c 1863 ] cornet in B♭ etc, fixed mouthpipe, no garland;
stamped “Bayley's / Improved Acoustic Cornet / Regd. April 8th. 1862 / 13 / KÖHLER / Sole Maker / 35, HENRIETTA ST,, Covent Garden, London”.
[ John Webb; Illustrated in The Galpin Society Made for Music Exhibition (London, 1986) item 141; illustrated in Galpin Society Journal 1985 XXXVIII Plate IV (e); Private Collection, Britain ]
The earliest instruments to this registered design are by Köhler as sole maker, so the change to Köhler & Son must have occurred after 8 April 1862, probably c 1863.
{72} [ c 1863 - c 1869 ] cornet in C etc, fixed mouthpipe, no garland;
stamped “Bayley's / Improved Acoustic Cornet / Regd. April 8th. 1862” and
“KÖHLER & SON / 35, HENRIETTA ST., COVENT GARDEN, LONDON” and “72”.
[ Horniman Museum, London 14.5.47 C.187 (Adam Carse Collection) ]
{77} [ c 1863 - c 1869 ] cornet in C etc, silver-plated, no garland;
stamped on bell “Bayley's / Improved Acoustic Cornet / in C / Regd. April 8th. 1862 / 77 / KÖHLER & SON / Sole Makers. / 35 HENRIETTA ST. Covent Garden. London”.
[ Wilhelm Bernoulli 449; Musikmuseum Basel 1980.2449 ]
The last mention of Bayley
[ c 1870 ] serial numbers discontinued; medallions replace registered design statement
{No serial number} [ c 1870 - 1881 ] cornet in B♭ etc, 3 Berlin valves; fixed mouthpipe;
stamped “The Acoustic Cornet” / “1851” / two medals / “1862” / “KÖHLER & SON / Sole Makers / 35. Henrietta St / ...”.
[ Trompetenmuseum, Bad Säckingen Inv. Nr. 34602 ]
{No serial number} [ c 1870 - 1881 ] Fixed mouthpipe trumpet in F etc;
inscribed “The Handelian Trumpet” / “1851” / two medals / “1862” / “KÖHLER & SON / Sole Makers / 35 Henrietta St. Covent Garden London”.
[ Handelhaus, Halle MS-311 ]
{No serial number} [ c 1870 - 1881 ] cornet in B♭ etc, 3 Berlin valves; fixed mouthpipe;
stamped “1851” / two medals / “1862” / “KÖHLER & SON / Sole Makers / 35. Henrietta St. Covent Garden London”.
[ Auction on eBay ends 2013/May/10 20:06:25 BST ]
[ 1881 - 1890 ] KÖHLER & SON / MAKERS / 116. VICTORIA STREET / WESTMINSTER / LONDON
{No serial number} [ 1881 - 1890 ] Fixed mouthpipe trumpet in F etc;
inscribed “Köhler's ``HANDELIAN'' Trumpet” / “1851” / two medals / “1862” / “KÖHLER & SON / MAKERS / 116. VICTORIA STREET / WESTMINSTER / LONDON”.
[ Frank Tomes; Private collection, Germany ]
{No serial number} [ 1881 - 1890 ] Fixed mouthpipe trumpet in F etc;
inscribed “Köhler's ``HANDELIAN'' Trumpet” / “1851” / two medals / “1862” / “KÖHLER & SON / MAKERS / 116. VICTORIA STREET / WESTMINSTER / LONDON / 1ST E.R.V.”.
[ Edinburgh University Collection of Historic Musical Instruments (227); The Galpin Society European Musical Instruments Exhibition (Edinburgh, August-September 1968) Catalogue No. 326 ]
[ 1890 - 1896 ] KÖHLER & SON / MAKERS / 61 VICTORIA STREET / WESTMINSTER / LONDON
{No serial number} [ 1890 - 1896 ] Fixed mouthpipe trumpet in B♭ . A with rotary change; Berlin valves;
inscribed on bell “`The HANDELIAN Trumpet'” and “1851” / two medals / “1862” / “KÖHLER & SON / MAKERS / 61.VICTORIA STREET / WESTMINSTER / LONDON”.
[ Christopher Baines; Edinburgh University Collection of Historic Musical Instruments (4407); The Galpin Society European Musical Instruments Exhibition (Edinburgh, August-September 1968) Catalogue No. 327 ]
the sole surviving B♭ soprano trumpet
[ c 1863 - 1881 ] G bass slide trombone, with handle, no tuning-slide;
“KÖHLER & SON / Makers / 35 Henrietta St Covent Garden London”.
[ Jeremy Montagu Collection II 94; The Galpin Society European Musical Instruments Exhibition (Edinburgh, August-September 1968) Catalogue No. 401; illustrated in Jeremy Montagu, The World of Romantic and Modern Musical Instruments. Newton Abbot: David and Charles, 1981, pl.88 ]
[ c 1863 - 1881 ] cornet in B♭ etc, brass, 3 Périnet valves. Inscribed “The ''CONQUEROR'' Cornet / KÖHLER & SON / Makers / 35 Henrietta St,, Covent Garden, London”.
[ John Webb; Royal Conservatoire of Scotland 367 ]
[ c 1863 - 1881 ] cornet in B♭ etc, brass, 3 Périnet valves. Inscribed “The ''CONQUEROR'' Cornet / KÖHLER & SON / Makers / 35 Henrietta St,, Covent Garden, London”.
[ Private collection, Britain ]
[ c 1863 - 1881 ] cornet in B♭ etc, silver-plated, 3 Périnet valves, catholic fingering. Inscribed “The ''CONQUEROR'' Cornet / KÖHLER & SON. / Makers. / 35 Henrietta St,, Covent Garden, London”.
[ Edinburgh University Collection of Historic Musical Instruments (6190) ]
[ c 1863 - 1881 ] cornet, 3 Périnet valves; inscribed on bell “15 C / K R V” and near rim “Köhler ...”;
[ Bonhams auction sale, lot 32 ]
[ 1869 ] cornet in B♭ etc, brass, 3 Périnet valves;
inscribed on bell “Presented to / W.H. James / for his regularity and attention / to his duties since he joined / the Corps / by / Captn. Commandant J.D. Fadiman / 1.st J C V. J C V.o / Christmas 1869” and near rim “Köhler & Son, Makers. 35 Henrietta St. Covent Garden. London”;
no serial number, the valves marked on the back “1” “2” “3”.
[ Edinburgh University Collection of Historic Musical Instruments (6171) ]
[ c 1863 - 1881 ] telescoping coach horn, copper and german silver.
Inscribed “KÖHLER & SON / MAKERS / HENRIETTA ST / COVENT GARDEN / LONDON”.
[ Private collection, U.S.A. ]
Medallion probably used on production from 1870 or so
[ c 1863 - 1881, probably 1870s ] ballad horn in C / B♭, silver-plated;
inscribed “1851” / two medals / “1862” / “``MELLOPHONE'' / KÖHLER & SON / Makers / 35. Henrietta St. Covent Garden, London”.
[ Edinburgh University Collection of Historic Musical Instruments (4288) ]
Only ballad horn inscribed “``MELLOPHONE''”
[ 1863 - 1881, probably 1870s ] ballad horn in C / B♭, folded 3rd valve tuning-slide;
inscribed “1851” / two medals / “1862” / “KÖHLER & SON / Makers / 35 Henrietta St. Covent Garden, London”.
[ Hamamatsu Museum of Musical Instruments L53.3 ]
[ c 1863 - 1881, probably 1870s ] Folded hunting-horn in 3-ft F, no garland, close parallel yards, silver-plated;
inscribed “1851” / two medals / “1862” / “KÖHLER & SON / MAKERS / HENRIETTA ST / COVENT GARDEN / LONDON”.
[ Wilhelm Bernoulli 611; Musikmuseum Basel 1980.2611 ]
[ 1875 ] 10-inch hunting horn;
engraved on bell with bearded head / “E.W.L.W”;
engraved near rim “KÖHLER & SON MAKERS, 35 HENRIETTA ST COVENT GARDEN / LONDON&”
and stamped with 1875 London hallmark with “J K / A K”.
[ Tennants auction, Leyburn, 16.3.24 lot 2085 ]
[ 1881 - 1890 ] KÖHLER & SON / MAKERS / 116. VICTORIA STREET / WESTMINSTER / LONDON
[ 1881 - 1890 ] hunting horn in 1-ft C;
inscribed “1851” / two medals / “1862” / “KÖHLER & SON / MAKERS / 116. VICTORIA STREET / WESTMINSTER / (FROM COVENT GARDEN)”.
[ Edinburgh University Collection of Historic Musical Instruments (1571); The Galpin Society European Musical Instruments Exhibition (Edinburgh, August-September 1968) Catalogue No. 389 ]
[ 1881 - 1890 ] hunting horn, small;
inscribed “1851” / two medals / “1862” / “KÖHLER & SON / MAKERS / 116 VICTORIA STREET / WESTMINSTER / (FROM COVENT GARDEN)”.
[ Private collection, Germany ]
[ 1881 - 1890 ] soprano cornet in F;
inscribed “1851” / two medals / “1862” / “KÖHLER & SON / MAKERS / 116, VICTORIA STREET / WESTMINSTER / LONDON”.
[ Edinburgh University Collection of Historic Musical Instruments (6139) ]
[ 1881 - 1890 ] echo cornet in B♭ etc; silver-plated; with crooks;
inscribed “1851” / two medals / “1862” / “KÖHLER & SON / MAKERS / 116, VICTORIA STREET / WESTMINSTER / LONDON”.
[ Edinburgh University Collection of Historic Musical Instruments (5995) ]
[ 1881 - 1890 ] ballad horn in C / B♭.
inscribed “1851” / two medals / “1862” / “KÖHLER & SON / MAKERS / 116, VICTORIA STREET / WESTMINSTER / LONDON”.
[ Horniman Museum, London MI-1889 8901 ]
[ 1881 - 1890 ] ballad horn in C , silver-plated.
inscribed “1851” / two medals / “1862” / “KÖHLER & SON / MAKERS / 116, VICTORIA STREET / WESTMINSTER / LONDON”.
[ Auction on eBay ends 2016/Jan/11 ]
[ 1881 - 1890 ] ballad horn.
inscribed “1851” / two medals / “1862” / “KÖHLER & SON / MAKERS / 116, VICTORIA STREET / WESTMINSTER / LONDON”.
[ Auction on eBay ends 2015/Jun/15 05:25 BST ]
[ 1881 - 1890 ] coach horn, telescopic , copper and german silver, with integral mouthpiece;
stamped on bell “1851” / two medals / “1862” / “KÖHLER & SON / MAKERS / 116 VICTORIA STREET / WESTMINSTER / (FROM COVENT GARDEN)”;
mouthpiece has stamp on side (in the style of a hallmark) “J K / A K”.
[ Private collection, Britain ]
The earliest use of this stamp in the style of a hallmark, probably made 1862-78; used here on instrument made 1881-8
[ 1881 - 1890 ] coach horn, telescopic , copper and german silver, with integral mouthpiece;
stamped on bell “KÖHLER & SON / MAKERS / 116 VICTORIA STREET / WESTMINSTER / ...”).
[ Albert Spencer; Brighton Museum R5773/54; described in the catalogue of the Galpin Society Exhibition, Edinburgh 1968 item 394 ]
[ 1881 - 1890 ] coach horn in 3 ½-ft D; copper, brass and silver-plated mounts;
2-piece telescopic tube;
inscribed “J. Köhler & Son / 116. Victoria Street / Westminster / London”.
[ Brighton Museum R5773/54 (Albert Spencer Collection); The Galpin Society European Musical Instruments Exhibition (Edinburgh, August-September 1968) Catalogue No. 394 ].
[ 1881 - 1890 ] 46-inch coach horn in 4-ft C; copper, with silver garland and silver-played ribs;
stamped on bell “1851” / two medals / “1862” / “KÖHLER & SON / MAKERS / 116 VICTORIA STREET / WESTMINSTER / (FROM COVENT GARDEN)”.
[ Hessisches Kutschen- und Wagenmuseum, Lohfelden, Germany ]
[ 1881 - 1890 ] Ceremonial trumpet, probably in E♭, one-coil, brass; with ball and 3 barley-twist ferrules;
inscribed on bell “1851” / two medals / “1862” / “KÖHLER & SON / MAKERS / 116, VICTORIA STREET / WESTMNSTER / LONDON”; on garland “KÖHLER / LONDON”; chained with Köhler mouthpiece.
[ John Webb; Royal Conservatoire of Scotland 479 ]
[ 1881 - 1890 ] cavalry trumpet, brass, plain garland and ferrules.
Inscribed on bell “1851” / two medals / “1862” / “KÖHLER & SON / MAKERS / 116 VICTORIA STREET / WESTMINSTER / LONDON”.
[ Private collection ]
[ 1890 - 1896 ] KÖHLER & SON / MAKERS / 61 VICTORIA STREET / WESTMINSTER / LONDON
[ 1890 - 1896 ] cornet;
inscribed on bell “1851” / two medals / “1862” / “KÖHLER & SON / MAKERS / 61 VICTORIA STREET / WESTMINSTER / LONDON”.
[ Private collection, U.S.A. ]
[ 1890 - 1896 ] cornet;
inscribed on bell “1851” / two medals / “1862” / “KÖHLER & SON / 61. VICTORIA STREET / WESTMINSTER / LONDON”.
[ Auction on eBay ends 2006/Jun/20 14:46:37 BST ]
[ 1890 - 1896 ] Tenor horn, silver-plated;
inscribed on bell “1851” / two medals / “1862” / “KÖHLER & SON / MAKERS / 61 VICTORIA STREET / WESTMINSTER / LONDON”.
[ not located ]
[ 1890 - 1896 ] hunting horn, copper and german silver, with integral mouthpiece;
stamped with the monogram: “K & S”;
stamped on bell “1851” / two medals / “1862” / “KÖHLER & SON / MAKERS / 61 VICTORIA STREET / WESTMINSTER / (FROM COVENT GARDEN) / LONDON”.
[ Royal College of Music Museum of Instruments, London, 619 ]
[ 1890 - 1896 ] Tandem horn in 3¼-ft E;
inscribed on bell “1851” / two medals / “1862” / “KÖHLER & SON / MAKERS / 61 VICTORIA STREET / WESTMINSTER / (FROM COVENT GARDEN) / LONDON”;
mouhpiece has stamp on side (in the style of a hallmark) “J K / A K”.
[ Edinburgh University Collection of Historic Musical Instruments (2347) ]
The latest use of this stamp in the style of a hallmark, probably made 1862-78; used here on instrument made 1890-96
[ 1890 - 1896 ] coach horn;
stamped “The / ``BEAUFORT''” / “1851” / two medals / “1862” / “KÖHLER & SON / MAKERS / 61 VICTORIA STREET / WESTMINSTER / (FROM COVENT GARDEN) / LONDON”.
[ Vichy auction 15.12.12 lot 529 ]
[ 1890 - 1896 ] 36-inch coach horn in 3¼-ft E;
stamped with the monogram: “K & S”;
stamped “The / ``BEAUFORT''” / “1851” / two medals / “1862” / “KÖHLER & SON / MAKERS / 61. VICTORIA STREET / WESTMINSTER / (FROM COVENT GARDEN) / LONDON”.
[ Private collection, Germany ]
[ 1890 - 1896 ] 48-inch coach horn, copper, with integral mouthpiece, length 1160mm;
stamped on the bell “The / ``HEAVY MAIL''” / “1851” / two medals / “1862” / “KÖHLER & SON / MAKERS / 61. VICTORIA STREET / WESTMINSTER / (FROM COVENT GARDEN) / LONDON”;
stamped on the mouthpiece “K & S”.
[ Private collection, France ]
[ 1890 - 1896 ] Telescopic coachhorn, german silver, no garland, length 875mm;
stamped “The / ``BEAUFORT''” / “1851” / two medals / “1862” / “KÖHLER & SON / MAKERS / 61 VICTORIA STREET / WESTMINSTER / (FROM COVENT GARDEN) / LONDON”.
[ Wilheln Bernoulli 625; Musikmuseum Basel 1980.2625 ]
[ 1890 - 1896 ] Duty bugle, copper, brass;
stamped “1851” / two medals / “1862” / “KÖHLER & SON / MAKERS / 61 VICTORIA STREET / WESTMINSTER / LONDON”.
[ Edinburgh University Collection of Historic Musical Instruments (4410) ]
[ 1896-1901 ] B♭ cornet
stamped “1851” / two medals / “1862” / “KÖHLER & SON / MAKERS / 12 GT CHAPEL STREET / WESTMINSTER / (FROM COVENT GARDEN) / LONDON”.
[ Private collection ]
[ 1896-1901 ] 51-inch (four-in-hand) coach horn; copper and german silver
stamped with numeral four engraved over the palm of an open hand /“1851” / two medals / “1862” / “KÖHLER & SON / MAKERS / 12 GT CHAPEL STREET / WESTMINSTER / (FROM COVENT GARDEN) / LONDON”.
[ Private collection ]
[ 1896-1901 ] hunting horn
stamped “KÖHLER & SON / MAKERS / 12 GT CHAPEL STREET / WESTMINSTER / (FROM COVENT GARDEN) / LONDON”.
[ Franz Streitwieser; Musica Kremsmünster 80 ]
[ 1901 - 1904 ] 9-inch hunting horn;
stamped “1851” / two medals / “1862” / “KÖHLER & SON / MAKERS / 167 EBURY STREET / EATON SQUARE / FROM COVENT GARDEN / LONDON”;
stamped on the mouthpiece “K & S”.
[ Auction on eBay ends 2005/Jun/18 18:00:00 PDT ]
[ 1901 - 1904 ] 10-inch hunting horn;
stamped “1851” / two medals / “1862” / “KÖHLER & SON / MAKERS / 167 EBURY STREET / EATON SQUARE / (FROM COVENT GARDEN) / LONDON”.
[ Auction on eBay ends 2024/Jan/21 20:19 GMT ]
[ 1901 - 1904 ] hunting horn;
“KOHLER & SONS 167, Ebury St. Eaton Sq. London”.
[ Brighton Museum R5773/31 (Albert Spencer Collection) ]
[ 1901 - 1904 ] 44-inch (four-in-hand) coach horn;
stamped with numeral four engraved over the palm of an open hand / “KÖHLER & SON / 167 EBURY STREET / EATON SQUARE / (FROM COVENT GARDEN) / LONDON” / “1851” / two medals / “1862”.
[ Private collection ]
[ 1901 - 1904 ] 51-inch (four-in-hand) coach horn; copper and german silver garland and reinforcement
stamped “The” / numeral four engraved over the palm of an open hand / “1851” / two medals / “1862” / “KÖHLER & SON / MAKERS / 167 EBURY STREET / EATON SQUARE / (FROM COVENT GARDEN) / LONDON”.
[ Private collection ]
[ 1901 - 1904 ] Long coach horn; copper and german silver garland and reinforcement
stamped “KÖHLER & SON / MAKERS / 167 EBURY STREET / EATON SQUARE / (FROM COVENT GARDEN) / LONDON”.
[ Private collection, U.S.A. ]
[ c 1905-1907 ] English hunting horn [reed horn] sounding E♭5;
“J. Köhler & Son, Bromley”.
[ Private collection; Galpin Society European Musical Instruments Exhibition (Edinburgh, August-September 1968) Catalogue No. 391 ].
[ 1907- ] hunting horn, single coil, integral mouthpiece;
stamped “1851” / two medals / “1862” / “KÖHLER & SON / MAKERS. / (FROM COVENT GARDEN) / 185, PICCADILLY / LONDON”.
[ Private collection, U.K. ]
[ 1907- ] hunting horn, copper, integral mouthpiece;
stamped “1851” / two medals / “1862” / “KÖHLER & SON / MAKERS. / (FROM COVENT GARDEN) / 185, PICCADILLY / LONDON”.
[ Vichy auction 16.6.12 lot 421. ]
[ 1907- ] 9-inch hunting horn, copper, integral mouthpiece;
stamped “1851” / two medals / “1862” / “KÖHLER & SON / MAKERS. / (FROM COVENT GARDEN) / 185, PICCADILLY / LONDON”; stamped on the mouthpiece “K & S”.
[ Private collection, Australia ]
[ 1907- ] 10-inch hunting horn, integral mouthpiece;
stamped “1851” / two medals / “1862” / “KÖHLER & SON / MAKERS. / (FROM COVENT GARDEN) / 185, PICCADILLY / LONDON”.
[ Private collection, Bermuda ]
[ 1907- ] hunting horn, wood;
stamped “KÖHLER & SON. / MAKERS. / (FROM COVENT GARDEN) / LONDON / 185. PICCADILLY / LONDON. W.”.
[ Bruno Kampmann collection, 291 ]
Return to Contents
Frank Tomes, Sabine Klaus and Arnold Myers, “Shaw, Köhler and the Disc Valve in Britain”. Galpin Society Journal (ISSN 0072-0127), LXVI, 2013, pp.99-116, 249.
This publication has not been refereed and the responsibility for its content rests solely with the authors.
© Arnold Myers, Frank Tomes and Lance Whitehead, 2004-23, 2024.
For comments on the contents of Galpin Society Data and Reference Material pages and offers of further information, e-mail: a.myers[at]ed.ac.uk
Return to Galpin Society Reference and Data Material
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This page updated 8.8.24
References
Lance Whitehead and Arnold Myers, “The Kohler Family of Brasswind Instrument Makers”. Historic Brass Society Journal (ISSN 1045-4616), 2004, 16, pp.89-123.