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Bass ophicleide
Jean Hilaire Asté (French, about 1775–about 1840)
about 1820–25
Object Place: Paris, France
Medium/Technique
Brass
Dimensions
Length 108 cm (42 1/2 in.)
Credit Line
Harriet Otis Cruft Fund
Accession Number1981.137
NOT ON VIEW
CollectionsEurope, Musical Instruments
ClassificationsMusical instruments – Aerophones
DescriptionBaritone in C. Brass Conoidal bore throughout. Nine flat keys mounted on pillars. Made in two principal parts: a crook wound round twice; and the main U-shaped conoidal body with narrow flare at the bell end. Funnel-shaped mouthpiece. The keys give the following nominal tones: B, c-sharp, d, e-flat, e, f, g, a, and b-flat. The third and fifth keys (counting from the bell) are located at the back and are operated by the left and right-hand thumbs respectively.
InscriptionsStamped on bell rim: HALARI FACTEUR DE LA MAISON DU ROI BREVETE D'INVENTION ET DE PERFECTIONEMENT RUE MAZATINE A PARIS / [seal]
Provenance1981, sold by Harold Priest, Harvard, Massachusetts, to the MFA. (Accession Date: May 13, 1981)