Books › A descriptive catalogue of the musical instruments recently exhibited at the Royal Military Exhibition, London, 1890 …, 1891 › scan 184
Scan 184
A descriptive catalogue of the musical instruments recently exhibited at the Royal Military Exhibition, London, 1890 …, 1891
13 lines. Read by computer on 1 October 2026. Printed page 164. See the scan on archive.org.
1340.
2Serpent. Of wood, covered with leather. There are 14 flat brass keys on saddles, giving the chromatic scale. The top bend is made entirely of brass to ensure strength. Stamped "New Improved, by T. Key, 20, Charing Cross, London."
3The keys give the same as described for the preceding instrument, with the addition of one for a', and a duplicate key for Bb. The total length of the tube of this instrument is 8 feet. This instrument shows the highest development at which the serpent arrived. It was then gradually superseded by the perfected bass horn or ophicleide, which in its turn has given place to the valved brass basses of the present day. This instrument was probably made about 1830; its greatest length across is 29 1/2 inches, and greatest width 17 1/2 inches. The diameter of the bell is 3 3/4 inches, and at the crook end 9/16 inch. The inside diameter of the mouthpiece is 1 1/8 inches.
4Lent by Messrs. H. Potter and Co.
6341.
7Serpent. Of wood, covered with leather. There are 14 keys, giving the chromatic scale, and arranged as in the preceding instrument. It is stamped "Key, 20, Charing Cross," and is probably of the same date as the serpent mentioned above. Length across the instrument 29 inches. Greatest width 17 inches.
8Lent by the Rev. F. W. Galpin, M.A., F.L.S.
10342.
11Serpent. Of wood, covered with leather and bound with brass. There are no open finger-holes, but, as in the preceding instruments, 14 brass keys. The upper bend of this serpent is of brass, and by a peculiar twist in the crook the instrument is brought more in front of the player. This instrument was used in the band of the 46th regiment until about 1840, and is in remarkably good playing order. It was probably one of the best of its kind ever made. Length across the instrument 29 1/2 inches. Greatest width 17 inches. Plate VII., fig. D.
12Lent by W. Bateson, Esq.
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