Pitch pipe
Alternate name(s)
- Tuning device
Maker
Pinsonnat
Date1830 ca.
Place MadeAmiens, France, Europe
ModelTypotone
Serial No.64
SignedInscribed into the mother-of-pearl: 64 / PinsonnatMarkingsHallmark stamped on the gold free reed: P [in relief inside a diamond]
DescriptionTypotone pitch pipe. Mother-of-pearl body with beveled edges and cut-off corners, and central beveled opening. Single, key-hole-shaped, hallmarked-gold free reed, double-riveted on the back. Original Typotone hardcase covered with dark-red-dyed leather and golden accents, and lined with cream-colored plush and silk.
The Typotone is a one-note pitch pipe patented in January 17, 1829, by Pierre Pinsonnat of Amiens, inspector of gold and silver hallmarks. This tuning device built to sound "A" (at 441Hz) was also approved for use by the Conservatoire de Musique in Paris. It can be considered as one of the earliest European adaptations of the Chinese free reed technology.
DimensionsLength: 29.7 mm (1.17 in)
Width: 16.6 mm (0.64 in)
Height: 2.8 mm (0.11 in)
ProvenanceCollector Alan G. Bates purchased this typotone in an antique shop in Paris, in September 2000.
Published ReferencesBanks, Margaret Downie. "From the Four Winds . . . A Rare 'olina and a Typotone Both Added to the Alan G. Bates Collection, 2000. Bates Collection." _National Music Museum Newsletter_ 30, no. 3 (August 2003): 4-5.
Same article reprinted in _The Trumpet Call (A Publication of Harmonica Collectors International)_ 5, Issue 3 (September 2003): 4-5.
Credit LineAlan G. Bates Collection, 2002
Object number08206
On View
On view
1885-1899 ca.
