Date: 1956. Owned by Christine Derksen
This is an Eb cornet; it is higher pitched than a Bb cornet. The 2A has a ½ bore (0.421") and has bottom spring valves. It was in production at least between 1961 and 1969, with a probable start date of 1961. So how can the above pictured instrument be a 1956? The case of the instrument is marked "IU Bands" which stands for "Indiana University Bands". Since the Conn company was also located in Indiana, it is not unreasonable to assume that at the time Indiana University asked the Conn company to make it an Eb cornet. In the mid-1950's Conn was still capable of making pretty much anything someone wanted. This instrument's previous owner, Bob Cockrum, says this instrument was apparently owned by the "Indiana University Marching 100" until they decided to eliminate Eb cornets. This suggests that there are at least several more of these out there somewhere. By the way, the finger buttons on this one are probably not original.
The design appears to be very similar to the 2A Eb Wonder cornet of the 1920's. In the early 1960's Conn would have decided to take this Eb cornet design and put it (back) into production as the 2A Victor.
The 25B Victor C trumpet and 35B Victor D trumpet are of similar design to the 2A. Perhaps the 34A Eb Alto Trumpet is in the same category. I suspect these are essentially scaled up or scaled down version of the same design, perhaps the 22B New York Symphony or the early model 6B Victor. Please see Comparative quality of Conn instruments, part 2 for a longer discussion of this.
What Conn said in 1966:
Short length in traditional Eb cornet style. Beautifully bright voice for concert and marching bands,
as well as brass choir. Extra wide hand grip. Lenght 15½". Bell 4 3/8".