Clarinet, B-flat
ALTERNATE NAME(S)
- Double-wall clarinet
Maker
C. G. Conn
Date1895 ca.
Place MadeElkhart, Indiana, United States, North America
ModelMetal Wonder Clarinet
Serial No.1888
SignedEngraved on bell: C. G. CONN / MAKER / ELKHART, / [→] IND. [←]MarkingsStamped on top joint just below tenon and stamped on bottom joint just above tenon is serial number: 1888
Description4 sections: barrel, top joint, bottom joint, bell. "Albert" system; 13 touchpieces; 2 rings (1 brille); nickel-plated brass body and ferrules; nickel-silver keys and rings; double-wall construction; wrap-around register key; rollers for little finger keys; patent C-sharp.
DimensionsOverall length (from tip of mouthpiece to bottom of bell): 641 mm
Overall length (from top of barrel to bottom of bell): 566 mm
Barrel: 65 mm
Upper joint: 175 mm
Bottom joint: 226 mm
Bell: 100.9 mm
Bore at top of top joint: 14.8 mm
Bore at bottom of top joint: 14.8 mm
Bore at bottom of bottom joint: 22.3 mm
ProvenanceThis clarinet, along with NMM 14507, originally belonged to the donor's grandfather, George C. Schmidt (b. Yarmouthport, Massachusetts, 6 September 1888-1946), one of three sons born to parents who immigrated to the U.S. from Switzerland. As a teenager, Schmidt played clarinet in the Yarmouth Brass Band. The family moved to Boston before Schmidt finished high school in order to give the three boys more career opportunities. Schmidt graduated from high school in Milton, Massachusetts, went to work for Stone and Webster—a Boston-based engineering firm—and married in 1909 or 1910. The donor's mother recalled that as far as she remembered, Schmidt never joined another band, but he played for the family every Saturday evening.
Published ReferencesBanks, Margaret Downie. "C. G. Conn's Double-Wall Wonder Clarinets." _National Music Museum Newsletter_ 37, no. 3 (December 2010): 3.
Credit LineGift of Dorothy Lynde, 2010
Object number14508
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