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Alto ophicleide
C. Devaster (active early to mid-19th century)
about 1840
Object Place: Brussels, Belgium
Medium/Technique
Brass
Dimensions
Length 90.5 cm (35 5/8 in.)
Credit Line
Leslie Lindsey Mason Collection
Accession Number17.1958
NOT ON VIEW
CollectionsMusical Instruments
ClassificationsMusical instruments – Aerophones
DescriptionAlto in E-flat. Brass. Conoidal bore throughout, except for a short length (7.5 cm.) where the crook is inserted into the main tubing. Nine slightly cup-shaped keys mounted on pillars. Made in two principal parts: the crook and the main tube; the crook is adjustable for tuning and position. Cup-shaped mouthpiece. The keys give the following nominal tones: B, c-sharp, d, e-flat, f, g, a, and b-flat. The third and the fifth key (counting from the bell) are located at the back and are operated by the left-hand and right- hand thumbs respectively.
InscriptionsEngraved on bell: C Devaster / A Bruxelles
ProvenanceFrancis W. Galpin (1858-1945), Hatfield Regis, England; 1916, sold by Francis W. Galpin to William Lindsey (1858-1922), Boston, Massachusetts; 1916, gift of William Lindsey, in memory of his daughter, Leslie Lindsey Mason, to the MFA. (Accession Date: October 5, 1916)