422.211.2 (single) clarinets with cylindrical bore, with fingerholes

Clarinet in C. Boxwood body with ebony mouthpiece, brass keys and ivory ferrules. Nine keys. Keys are block mounted apart from upper F key, which is saddle mounted, and have circular flat flaps and leather pads. One block mount is full and round in profile, the others are turned away. Five pieces including mouthpiece. String lapped tenons. Mouthpiece and barrel are stamped: KEY/LONDON; Upper joint and lower joint are stamped: 2/KEY/LONDON; Bell is stamped: 5KEY/LONDON/CHARING CROSS; All inscriptions incorporate a unicorn's head motif.

This instrument appeared at an exhibition called 'Private Musicke' that was staged by the Galpin Society at the Royal Festival Hall in 1957. According to its label in that display, the clarinet is said to have been played at the battle of Waterloo.

object
MUSEUM NUMBER
2004.995
PLACE
COLLECTION
MEASUREMENTS
overall length: 590 mm
MATERIAL/TECHNIQUE
boxwood; ebony; copper alloy; leather; ivory; string
CATEGORY
Musical Instruments
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