Henry wrote: ↑Mon May 10, 2021 7:34 pm
The recording as heard here is in the key of A major. A bugle in A would be unusual, in my experience, whereas a trumpet in Bb can play bugle calls with all open fingering (i.e., no valves deoressed) and it would sound in the key of Bb---much more likely. No doubt in my mind whatever that this recording uses a trumpet, as opposed to a bugle or cornet; the tone quality and production are unmistakeable. In my opinion, this recording should be played in Bb (i.e., faster). I should also note that there is some subtle speed variation in the turntable, but that's incidental to my conclusion here.
Just for folks reading through this, I have a beautiful silver cornet that comes with tubing for playing in both Bb and in A. It was fairly common back then as were piccolos in Db and Eb alto mellophones. We've come a long way!