Cornet in B flat, yellow brass, plated mouthpiece (not original). Three Shaw disc valves. Tuning slides in mouth-pipe and valve loops. The one crook (G) does not clearly belong to this instrument. Stamped: Köhler 35 Henrietta St. Covent Garden, London. Inscription on plate with royal arms, etc. imposed on bell with number 379 engraved. Bell engraved: T. Molineux, Exchange Avenue, Manchester.
Disc valves, or 'Patent Lever Valves', were patented by John Shaw in 1838. Shaw later sold the rights to John Augustus Köhler. Disc valves were one of the many experimental valve types to appear in the 19th century. The valve loop tubing is mounted on a rotating disc and swivels into place when the valve lever is depressed. Disc valves did not achieve lasting popularity; the valve mechanism was fragile and often became stuck.
