Historical information

In 1920 Michael Taffe was awarded Junior Cornet Solo Champion at Ballarat's South St competitions, The Grand National Eisteddfod of Australasia. This competition was the premier band contest in Australia with musicians from every state and New Zealand taking part. This Boosey & Co cornet was on display in the window of Allan's Music store Melbourne when the building was severely damaged by fire but these items were saved.

Significance

Part of a large family collection of local & family history items at Hymettus Cottage, home to the same Ballarat family for the past 125. This cornet has a well documented provenance and a known owner and has been at Hymettus for over a century. Boosey & Co joined with Hawkes in 1930 to become Boosey & Hawkes. This cornet forms part of a significant and representative historical collection that reflects Ballarat's local history from a family perspective. It contributes to our understanding of social and family life in Ballarat from the 19th to the 21st century and provides interpretative capacity for family, local, and social history themes.

Inscriptions & markings

Heavily decorated and inscribed.