Kit (pochette)

Ascribed to Betts

(Note: Each icon above opens in a new tab.)

Instrument

Kit/Violins/Strings/Musical Instrument ; Kit

Instrument Family

Strings

Maker

Ascribed to Betts

Place Made

Europe ; England ; United Kingdom

Date Made

Circa 1800

Description

This kit has a viol-shaped body and crudely cut violin-style f-holes. The soundboard is made of spruce; the back, sides, neck and scroll are made of sycamore; the fingerboard, tailpiece and tail-gut protector are made of ebony; the button is made of ivory; and the pegs are made of boxwood. The soundboard and back are each made from one piece of wood and there is ebony/sycamore/ebony purfling on both. Inside there is a soundpost and bass bar. The varnish appears to have been originally a red brown colour but has faded to a golden colour. The instrument has a violin-style neck, peg boxand scroll. The fingerboard is hollow underneath to minimize weight. Measurements: Neck 187 mm long; fingerboard 260 mm long, 23.7 mm wide at nut, 38.7 mm wide at bottom. No inscriptions. Mahogany oblong box, overal length 522, overal width 163, overall depth 92. Handle in the top, set into the wood. Lock at front. Hooks and eyes at the sides of the front. Kit-shaped opening the instrument inside, with 2 compartments, one containing the key for the lock. Interior padded with green felt. The lid has places for two bows. Associated with bows (595) and (960); one of the compartments in the case contains a bridge, the other contains a letter from Howard Head to H.I. Brackenbury dated 28th August 1927, including reference to A. Hill examining the instrument (and confirming it to be by Betts). Previous ownership: Purchased by H. I. Brackenbury from Howard Head, with one bow, for £12.0.0. Current ownership: Government allocation to the University, 1991. (C.H. Brackenbury Memorial Collection).

Notes

D.Martin, 1993-94.

Measurements

471.

Provenance

Purchased by H.I. Brackenbury from Howard Head, with one bow, for £12.0.0. ; Government allocation to the University, 1991.

Collection

MIMEd ; C.H. Brackenbury Memorial Collection

Accession Number

0958

Related Items