Soprano cornett. Stained wood, possibly maple, not leather covered. Carved with characteristic diamond facets. Six fingerholes grouped in two triads. Crenulated and pierced brass ferrules. No maker's marks. Shows clear signs of wear: rounding of fingerhole edges, wearmarks around fingerholes and on back. With associated mouthpiece.
The cornett may look like a woodwind instrument because of its fingerholes and wooden body, but it is classified as a brasswind since it is sounded by vibrating the lips in the mouthpiece. The tiny size of the mouthpiece tests the player's strength and control. The cornett was a popular church and secular instrument. Henry VIII was particularly fond of music and maintained an ensemble of cornett and sackbut (trombone) players in his court.
