Bernhard Kohl (1936)

Bernhard Kohl B♭ Single French Horn
Archived Collection Piece: This instrument is no longer held in the physical collection.

This instrument is a B♭ single French horn equipped with a specialized stopping valve, manufactured in 1936 by the German brass maker Bernhard Kohl. Structurally, the horn bears several historical repair patches across its tubing, yet it has survived in good, fully playable condition. What originally drew me to this specific piece was a fascinating and sober historical engraving on the bell flare, which reads "Flak-Rgt 8 2". This military marking directly links the horn to the German Flak-Regiment 8, a prominent anti-aircraft artillery unit active during the Second World War. Although I initially acquired this instrument because I was deeply intrigued by this poignant wartime connection, it ultimately spent most of its time sitting unused in its case. Recognizing that a playable piece of history deserves to be appreciated, I decided it was better to let it move on to a new home where it could be properly displayed or performed upon.