Technical description: Probably African blackwood with german silver keys and a wide (width c 15mm) ferrule at the central socket. Reed well and sockets are unlined. The long L4 keys are levers as are the R1 keys for B♭ and C and the C♯tr. The bell is missing. The blocks for the B♭ and C keys are both broken and missing. The C-alt and B♭ keys and the low C key are missing. The thumb rest is bent upwards.
System: Simple
L0: 8; C-alt.
L1: T.
L2: T.
L3: T; C♯tr.
L4: G♯; E♭-dup; low B; F-dup.
R0: sup.
R1: T; B♭; C.
R2: R.
R3: R; F.
R4: low C; C♯; E♭.
Keymount type: pillars with the exception of the C and B♭ keys which are on blocks. The C touch is on pillars. Keyhead type: cup.
Performance characteristics: The few notes obtained suggest that the tone is strong with a precise response.
Usable pitch: It is difficult to get an idea of how such a badly damaged instrument might play but, by blocking some of the keyless holes with tape, sufficient notes can be obtained to suggest that the instrument is an instrument in B♭ built at old Philharmonic Pitch A4 = 453 Hz.
Repair History: Of the remaining keys only the C♯ has the original screw axle; all the other axles have been replaced with rigid wire secured by turning of the ends. The same repair has been applied to the fulcra of the lever keys.
Notes
S. Milton, 1993.
Measurements
494 (measured without bell).
Provenance
Formerly stock of Messrs J. & R. Glen.; Purchased in 1983.