Fun for the Brass Instrument Fanatic
I’m retired from business now, but still add content to this website often. I still take on interesting antique and vintage projects as I am able to.
This website is intended to show my work and interests. I have a passion for learning and sharing the history of the brass instrument industry and the instruments produced. I try to present this in the many pages linked through the gallery below.
I’m compiling a database of all known Courtois cornets made before world war one, with serial numbers, medal dates and other data. Please email me with data from your Courtois cornets. robb@robbstewart.com
Recently added or updated Pages:
October 11, 2024: Updated History of Benjamin Franklin Richardson
September 25, 2024: Antoine Courtois Cornet Serial Number List, 1853 to 1901
August 31, 2024: Antoine Courtois’ Bell Markings, 1844 to 1910
July 2, 2024: More Facts About Courtois’ Koenig’s Model Cornets
July 2, 2024: Another Olds Recording/Super Trumpet Like Uan Rasey’s
May 25, 2024: Solid Silver Soprano Made by Allen, New York
February 4, 2024: 19th Century Orchestral Trumpets by Courtois
November 11, 2023: “Convertible” Instruments by Graves & Co.
November 11, 2023: Bb Cornets with Bells Over the Shoulder by Graves & Co.
September 16, 2023: Alto Horn by Graves & Co.
March 25, 2023: F.E. Olds & Son Catalogs from the 1930s and 1940s
Galleries
Museum
Browse photos of historic brass instruments
and read the history and technical details.
Mechanics
This section covers all topics relating to the mechanics of brass instruments including repairs.
Projects
Unusual instruments, both newly made
and modifications of existing instruments.
Gallery of Projects
History of makers
Pages with histories of brass instrument makers, listed alphabetically, with photos of their products.
interview by Chris Troiano and Stephen cannistracci:
Doug Tornquist visits my shop at 38:35 in this video and then my office at 19:45 in this video.