Conn 16A Slide Cornet SN 171071, made in 1920, is a fascinating piece of American brass history. This long-pitch (LP) slide cornet was built during the post-Victorian era when instrument design was flourishing, and experimentation with form and function was common — especially for vaudeville, street bands, and early jazz ensembles.
This authentic Conn slide cornet includes both the original case and mouthpiece, and has been through full shop service, including a chemical bath and hand silver polish. It presents beautifully and plays surprisingly well for its age — still capable of producing a smooth gliss and a smile from the audience.
The Conn 16A is a rare novelty instrument, combining cornet tone with slide functionality. It’s a perfect addition for:
Trumpet or trombone players looking to experiment
Trad jazz musicians
Collectors of unique American-made brass instruments
Despite being over 100 years old, this horn still plays properly and can be used for performance, display, or conversation-starting moments on stage.
What is a slide cornet and how is it different from a valve cornet?
A slide cornet replaces valves with a trombone-style slide mechanism, allowing the player to change pitch by adjusting tubing length rather than pressing valves. While it’s more of a novelty today, the slide cornet was historically used in parlor music, novelty acts, and early jazz. It offers a blend of trumpet tone with trombone-style expressiveness, including smooth glissandi and quirky phrasing possibilities. Rare and entertaining, the Conn 16A is a standout from any traditional brass lineup.
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