Jay Krush writes: “This Eb alto valve trombone belonged to my paternal grandfather - Joseph Krush. Sadly, I never got to meet him, as he passed away before I was born. It is the same instrument in photograph with him. He played many instruments but specialized in brass. Living in Camden, New Jersey, he worked at many jobs, but was always active as a musician and played in many bands, including the Baldwin Locomotive Works band in Philadelphia, and regularly organized musical groups for events in Camden.

This instrument was made by Henry G. Lehnert in Philadelphia, a noted manufacturer of brass instruments. Lehnert was one of a group of brass makers in Philadelphia from the mid-19th to early 20th Century which also included William F. Seefeldt, Ernest Seltmann and later, J.W. Pepper, builder of the prototype sousaphone. 19th Century instruments marked Klemm and Brother, Philadelphia, are often found as well, though the Klemms may have only been importers and dealers. According to Langwill’s “An Index of Musical Wind Instrument Makers”, Lehnert was at 735 Race St. in 1867 and located at 427 N. 9th St. from 1887 until his death in 1916. His instruments won a Bronze Medal at the Paris Exhibition in 1878.

This instrument still plays well and is a treasured possession. Interestingly, my grandfather’s primary instrument was the baritone horn. I was unaware of this in 4th grade when I came home and announced to my surprised parents that I wanted to be a baritone player. Perhaps it’s genetic… “

Of Further Interest (B.Barrie):
Robert Eliason- American Brass of the 1800s
http://www.yankeebrassband.org/roberteliason.html

Vintage Cornets- several by Henry G. Lehnert
http://www.vintagecornets.com/html/u_s__makers.htm

Metropolitan Museum of Art- Instruments by Henry G. Lehnert (2) and Ernest Seltmann (1)
http://www.metmuseum.org/collection/the-collection-online/search?&where=Philadelphia&deptids=18&what=Brass&pg=1