Based on the serial number 374989, this King Silver Sonic cornetwas manufactured around 1960. This era places the instrument during the transition period for H.N. White, shortly before production moved to Eastlake, Ohio in 1966.
This horn is Dead Mint with Floral engraving and gold wash bell. It comes with the original case. 1960 King Silver Sonic cornet (Serial No. 374989) is a professional-grade instrument from the H.N. White Cleveland era. It is essentially a deluxe “Master” model cornet characterized by its use of premium materials and classic “long model” design
Model Identification: The Silver Sonic (formerly “Silver Tone”) series is highly regarded for its solid sterling silver bell, which is often gold-plated on the interior and features ornate floral engraving.
Manufacturer: It was produced by the H.N. White Company in Cleveland, Ohio.
Sound Profile: These cornets are known for a dark, rich tone with exceptional overtones and projection due to the silver bell construction.
Technical Specifications
Bore Size: .458-inch (Medium bore), designed for a balance of efficiency and a sonorous, dark tone.
Bell Material: Solid sterling silver bell, which provides superior overtones and projection compared to standard brass.
Bell Diameter: Typically 4.625 inches (4 5/8″).
Finish: Standard models featured a clear oven-baked lacquer over the brass body, with the interior of the sterling silver bell featuring a 24K gold wash inside the bell.
Key: Bb (standard for modern cornets).
Valves: Three piston valves, often made with King’s “Micro-Tru” grained finish for smooth action.
Notable Features
First Valve Thumb hook: Many 1960-era Silver Sonics included a factory-installed First Valve Thumb hook to assist with intonation on certain notes.
Third Valve Ring: Features a slide ring for fine-tuning while playing.
Engraving: Highly detailed floral engraving on the bell, often including the “King Silver-Sonic” and “H.N. White Co. Cleveland Ohio” stamps.
Mother of Pearl: Finger buttons are typically capped with genuine mother of pearl.
The “Silver Sonic” name was adopted in the late 1940s or early 1950s (replacing “Silver Tone”) and remained the flagship designation for King’s sterling silver-belled instruments through the 1960s.
