Alto horn, E-flat
Maker
Reinhard A. Kaempf
Date1878-1885 ca.
Place MadeNew York, New York, United States, North America
Place MadeMarkneukirchen, Saxony, Germany, Europe
Serial No.215
SignedEngraved on bell: Made by / R. A. Kaempf / New YorkMarkingsStamped on valve cases: 1, 2, 3
Engraved at bell: 215
DescriptionBrass, triple loop, upright bell, tuning slide at first bow forming a complete loop, fixed curved leadpipe, three top-action string-operated rotary valves (1, ½, 1½), double cork, spiral-spring return.
August Reinhardt Kaempffe (1848–1904) comes from a Markneukirchen family of gut-string makers and instrument dealers. Trade connections and frequent travels of family members to New York are recorded since 1854. This alto horn resembles models illustrated in drawings of the Markneukirchen teacher Wilhelm Petzold. It is, therefore, possible that the instrument was made in Markneukirchen for the American market.
DimensionsHeight: 517 mm
Tube length: 2088 mm
Bore diameter (initial, minimum, tuning slide, valve slides): 11.5 mm, 10.9 mm, 13.1–14 mm, 11.8 mm
Bell diameter: 199 mm
ProvenancePurchased in 1997 from Fred, Oster, Vintage Instruments, Inc., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Published ReferencesSabine Katharina Klaus, Trumpets and Other High Brass: A History Inspired by the Joe R. and Joella F. Utley Collection. Volume 3: Valves Evolve (Vermillion, SD: National Music Museum, 2017), pp. 208, 231-233, 309.
Credit LineJoe R. and Joella F. Utley Collection, 1999
Object number07216
On View
Not on view
1865-1885 ca.