DescriptionTechnical description: African blackwood with german silver keys The sockets and reed well are lined with german silver. Simple octave keys. The R2 plate is independent of the R3 ring although both close the brille and both are on the same axle. Depressing the low C key lowers the R2 plate and R3 ring and closes the brille.
System: Thumbplate
L0: TP; 8.1.
L1: PP; 8.2; spat.
L2: R.
L3: T; Dtr.
L4: G♯; low B; low B♭; E♭-alt.
R0: sup.
R1: T; TP-alt.
R2: PP.
R3: R; F.
R4: low C; C♯; E♭.
Stamped on all three sections with five-pointed star / "C. MAHILLON & Co. / LONDON" / star.
Usable pitch: In its present condition the instrument is barely playable at all; however, using a modern oboe reed, an unsteady A can be obtained at 440 Hz. With a shorter reed there is an even less secure response.
Repair History: The middle socket has been extended in a plastic substance, presumably added to lower the pitch. The reed well may also have been altered although this is not obvious, and there is no sign that the second octave key has been moved. The crack in the bell has been filled. |