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Bass ophicleide, C

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Bass ophicleide, C

Maker: Graves & Co.
Date: 1830-1840 ca.
Place Made:Winchester, New Hampshire, United States, North America
Serial No: 49
SignedEngraved on bell: Graves & Co. / Winchester N. H.
MarkingsEngraved in script on bell wreath, above clapper key: 49
DescriptionUpright bell instrument made entirely of brass. Bocal with U-shaped tuning slide, fixed to instrument with wing screw. Bell rim attached to bell.

Twelve brass keys, pillar mounted in individual axis with brass flat springs, with flat, round key covers, and leather pads. The f-sharp key, unreachable with the right little finger, is linked through a connection for a right thumb touch. At front, five keys for the right hand are mounted on a shared brace plate. Lowest key open with adjustment screw, all others closed.

One of but three bass ophicleides by Graves known to survive.
DimensionsHeight: 1035 mm
Bell diameter: 185 mm
ProvenancePreviously owned and used by Fred Benkovic, Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Purchased from Steve Dillon, Sayreville, New Jersey, 1992.
Credit Line: Purchase funds gift of Ruth and Robert B. Lamont, 1992
Not on view
Published ReferencesEliason, Robert. _Graves & Company: Musical Instrument Makers_. Dearborn, Michigan: The Edison Institute, 1975. (p. 19)

"Recent Acquisitions." _Shrine to Music Museum Newsletter_ 19, no. 3 (April 1992): 3.
Object number: 05271