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Bass ophicleide
A. G. Guichard (active 1827–after 1845)
about 1840
Object Place: Paris, France
Medium/Technique
Brass
Dimensions
Length 114 cm (44 7/8 in.)
Credit Line
Leslie Lindsey Mason Collection
Accession Number17.1959
CollectionsMusical Instruments
ClassificationsMusical instruments – Aerophones
DescriptionBaritone in B-flat. Brass. Conoidal-cylindro-conoidal bore. Nine flat keys mounted on pillars; the first key (open) has a knurled head screw for clearance adjustment. Made in two principal parts: a crook thrice bent upon itself and held in place by a wing-nut, and the main tube; the crook is adjustable axially for tuning and for position. Cup-shaped mouthpiece. The keys give the following nominal tones: B, c-sharp, d, e-flat, e, f, g, a, and b-flat. Two hand-rests on the main tube for support of the instrument.
InscriptionsEngraved on bell: [trademark] / Guichard Breveté, / A PARIS; stamped on key shank nearest bell: 219
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)