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Clarinet in B-flat
Benjamin S. Clemens (American, active 1823–1850)
1823–50
Object Place: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
Medium/Technique
Boxwood, ivory, brass
Dimensions
Length 67.2 cm (26 7/16 in.)
Credit Line
Gift of Lindsay D. Shea
Accession Number1991.775
NOT ON VIEW
CollectionsAmericas, Musical Instruments
ClassificationsMusical instruments – Aerophones
DescriptionIn B-flat. Boxwood, varnished light yellow-brown. Ivory rings. Blackwood mouthpiece. Made in six parts: mouthpiece, barrel, upper, middle, and lower bodyjoints, and bell. Seven fingerholes and one thumbhole. Five square keys (Young type A) of brass (e, f-sharp, g-sharp, a', and speaker), mounted on rings with SATK.
InscriptionsStamped on all joints except barrel: B. S. CLEMENS / PHILADA
ProvenanceBefore the 1940s, apparently sold by an antique shop, Pennsylvania. By the 1940s, gift of source unidentified to the Sheas, Philadelphia; 1972, by descent to their daughter, Lindsay D. Shea, Brooklyn, New York; 1991, gift of Shea to the MFA. (Accession Date: December 18, 1991)