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Clarinet in B-flat (Mazzeo system)
Henri Selmer & Cie (French, 1885–after 1950)
about 1920; modified about 1955
Object Place: Paris, France
Medium/Technique
Blackwood, nickel silver
Dimensions
Length 70.9 cm (27 15/16 in.)
Credit Line
Gift of John H. Munier
Accession Number1986.679
NOT ON VIEW
CollectionsEurope, Musical Instruments
ClassificationsMusical instruments – Aerophones
DescriptionIn B-flat. Varnished blackwood. Nickel silver rings, keys, ligature, and mouthpiece cover. Plastic mouthpiece. Made in five parts: mouthpiece, barrel upper and lower bodyjoints, and bell. Original 1920s body modified about 1955 to full-Boehm system keywork and rimless bell (Mazzeo system). Extra barrel and hardshell fitted case.
InscriptionsStamped on bell: [surrounded by laurel wreath: / HENRI / SELMER / PARIS] / SOLE AGENTS / U.S. & CAN. / Selmer / NEW-YORK / ELKHART / MAZZEO / SYSTEM; stamped on reverse of bell: MADE IN FRANCE; stamped on upper bodyjoint: [maker's mark] / H. SELMER / A / PARIS / [maker's monogram] / BREVETE / S.G.D.G.; stamped on barrel and lower bodyjoint: [maker's mark] / H. SELMER / A / PARIS / [maker'monogram]; stamped on mouthpiece and cover: [surrounded by laurel wreath: HENRI / SELMER / PARIS / MADE IN FRANCE; stamped on table of mouthpiece: table HS; scratched on side of mouthpiece: F. V.; stamped on back of mouthpiece cover: MADE IN FRANCE; stamped on barrel and scratched on bodyjoints: 2370; stamped on ligature: M / MARTIN / FRANCE; stamped on extra barrel: [surrounded by laurel wreath: HENRI / SELMER / PARIS] / [five-point star]
Provenance1958, sold by Felix (Phil) Viscuglia to his student John Munier, Nashua, New Hampshire; 1986, gift of Munier to the MFA. (Accession Date: November 26, 1986)