Bassoon, C
Maker
George Catlin
Date1805 ca.
Place MadeHartford, Connecticut, United States, North America
Serial No.none
SignedStamped on butt joint: MADE by / GEORGE CATLIN / Hartford / [encircled flower]Stamped on other joints: CATLIN / [encircled flower]
Markingsnone
DescriptionDark-stained maple (Acer saccharum) in 4 sections: wing, butt, long, and bell joints. Brass ferrules and keywork. 4 keys with flat covers, of which 3 have a "Hartford spade" shape, mounted in saddles. Flat key springs attached to keys. Brass bocal.
George Catlin (1778-1852) was one of the first important American makers of woodwinds in the early 19th century, working in Hartford, Connecticut, from about 1799 until at least 1813 (he later moved to Philadelphia). Catlin was one of the few American makers of oboes and bassoons, and influenced many woodwind makers of the next generation, such as John Meacham, Jr. (1785-1844). Among the more unusual instruments mentioned in his advertisements were tenoroons, tenor clarinets, and clarions (bassoon-shaped bass clarinets). The bassoons and bass clarinets from his Hartford period were unusual accomplishments for a maker in the United States at that time. Catlin also made a wide variety of instruments including string instruments, harpsichords, pianos and organs.
DimensionsWing joint: 477 mm
Boot joint: 428 mm
Bass joint: 483 mm
Bell: 298 mm
(excluding tenons)
ProvenancePurchased in November 1989 from Tony Bingham, London, England.
Published References_Sotheby's: Musical Instruments, November 22 & 23, 1989_. London: Sotheby's, November 22 & 23, 1989. (p. 26, Lot 77)
Young, Philip T. _4900 Historical Woodwind Instruments_. London: Tony Bingham, 1993. (p. 48)
Credit LineArne B. and Jeanne F. Larson Fund, 1989
Object number04880
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