All the slides are airtight and operate smoothly and the valves have great compression while also operating very smoothly. The 3rd valve slide ring is not original. This horn came to me without one but I fashioned an aftermarket ring to fit nicely into this King Master Model. Many cornet players do not bother to use the slide ring and prefer to not have them attached. I only use one on my Trumpet but not my Cornet.
The King Master Model cornets were always lauded for playing on key so the owner of this horn may not want to bother having it installed either. Of course, the King Master Model Cornet was and is also known for its unique Micrometer Style-Adjuster. I wish all horns had this feature. I'm sure it added quite a bit of cost for the H. White Company back then to have this which probably explains why horns of today don't have them. Another very Unique feature of this cornet is the 3rd valve slide. It is a 2-piece unit. This is very unusual, even for the King Master Model. The serial number engraved on the slide matches that of the horn's serial number, indicating that it was part of its originality. As far as the condition of the body is concerned, there are a few relatively minor dents that I have tried to show accurate pictures of. In spite of these, it is a very pretty horn that anyone will be proud to own and perhaps show off. There are some small dents on the bottom of the horn just behind the bell. Due to their location, they are not readily visible unless the horn is scrutinized while upside down.As a result, anyone observing the horn being played will not notice them nor will the player. If one chooses, due to their convenient location, they can easily be removed by a music store technician.
There is a very tiny dimple on the receiver tube, about 3 forward of the mouthpiece and another very tiny dent on the inside of the 2nd valve slide. The latter dent is almost invisible unless you search very hard for it. The mouthpiece is a Vincent Bach 7C that appears to be relatively new, even though it is from the late 50s era. Like the rest of the horn, it has been sanitized and ready for use. As you can see by the pictures, the Carrying/Storage case is extremely nice, inside and out. There are a couple of very minor blemishes on the outside but absolutely no wear spots or marks.I rate it as being in Like-New condition. The interior is pristine except for having the indentations from where the Cornet rests. This is a very nicely made case that is vinyl covered solid wood with a very large, lidded storage area inside and very softly padded.
The latches and hinges are in perfect operating condion with beautiful chrome plating to protect them and keep them looking new. Package size, 10"x 11"x 20. If you need additional information or pictures, please feel free to request them of me. I will get back to you very quickly. My goal is that you receive a great playing Cornet that you will appreciate for many years and perhaps even pass it down to someone else during your lifetime.
The King Master Model was known to be one of the world's best cornets ever built and is still played by many professional brass artists.