A Dictionary of Music and Musicians/Köhler

KÖHLER. The name of an eminent family of military wind-instrument makers, at present established at 35, Henrietta Street, Covent Garden. The founder of the family was John Köhler, a native of Volkenrode, a hamlet near Cassel. He came to England, acted as bandmaster to the Lancashire Volunteers, and in 1780 established himself as a musical instrument maker at 87, St. James's Street. Having no children, he sent for his nephew, John Köhler, from Germany, who succeeded to his business in 1801. The latter was appointed musical instrument maker to the Duke of York, then commander-in-chief, and the Prince of Wales successively. He was succeeded by his only son, John Augustus, who removed the business to Henrietta Street, and died in 1878. His inventions in brass instruments were many and successful. He first introduced the cornet-à-piston or cornopean into this country, and, with Macfarlane, added the third valve to that instrument. His improved mute to the cornopean, with extra bell (1858), enabling the instrument to be played in a very low tone and perfectly in tune, is well known. His triple slide trombones and patent levers were very remarkable improvements in their day. He obtained prize medals at the Exhibitions of 1851 and 62, and was favourably mentioned in the Report of the latter. The business is now carried on by his eldest son, Augustus Charles, who entered the firm in 1863.

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