Herman Schindler B-Flat Cornet: Museum Object and Cultural History

The object in the museum catalogue

This cornet was made by Herman Schindler in Milwaukee, Wisconsin around 1892 to 1899. It is a B-flat cornet made of silver plated brass and has 3 piston valves. This cornet is engraved:

Herman Schindler formed his musical instrument business at 316 West Water Street in Milwaukee in 1892. In the book, Milwaukee, a Half Century’s Progress, 1846-1896: A Review Of the Cream City’s Wonderful Growth and Development, indicates:

“Herman Schindler Musical Instruments. No. 316 West Water Street. This city is famous for its local special talent, and Milwaukee singing societies have a national reputation, while local orchestras and instrumental soloists no less distinguished. Some of the finest string instruments in the world are owned in Milwaukee, and Mr. Herman Schindler is known to every musician in the city. His store, at No. 316 West Water Street is a veritable shrine of music…”

Materials, dates and provenance

• date made: 1875-1899
• Object Name: cornet
• Physical Description: brass (overall material)
• Physical Description: silver (overall material)
• Measurements: overall: 14 in x 4 7/8 in x 7 in; 35.56 cm x 12.3825 cm x 17.78 cm
• Measurements: cornet: 13 3/4 in x 4 7/8 in x 7 in; 34.925 cm x 12.3825 cm x 17.78 cm
• place made: United States: Wisconsin, Milwaukee
• ID Number: MI.79.03
• accession number: 1978.2376
• catalog number: 79.03
• Credit Line: Gift of Emilie Schulz
• Data Source: National Museum of American History

Sources and reuse

Catalogue descriptions and facts adapted from National Museum of American History through the Smithsonian's official Open Access dataset. This record explicitly marks its metadata CC0 1.0; formatting and selection have been changed.