Maker Name

George Potter & Co

Maker Biography

George Potter, member of the Potter family of English woodwind instrument makers, established the firm Potter, George, & Co in 1860 with his brother Henry (1810-1876). The firm specialized in military band instruments, and exported many of their flutes and drums to India via ‘The War and India Offices.’ The firm’s mark is a unicorn head above the name Potter.

Other Information

Specific usage history: Formerly used in a Sussex orchestra; previously in the cavalry.

Technical Description

Cavalry drum with copper shellsides perforated with five groups each of four ¼-inch perforations in a diamond pattern below the rim of the drum instead of a release hole in the base of the shell; ferrous metal reinforcing frame inside; four loops for harness straps; tripod legs attached to small reinforcing plates diameter c 75mm on bottom of bowl. Tuning T-bar handle at side, of different design from that of (2375), operates a metal shaft with 2 screw threads of opposite sense; two threaded cross-pieces mounted on screwed rod with fine threads giving precise pitch control; eight laterally-mounted pulley wheels in frames in the bowl with tangential axles; four circumferential external pulleys with radial axles mounted on exterior of bowl; at each of the eight tensioning points there is a hook which is attached to the outside of the flesh hoop and passes through the skin, with loosely mounted pulley on each hook. All tensioning fitments of brass, with steel cable.

Signature/Marks: Embossed white-metal medallion above tuning handle with lion & unicorn crest and "BY APPOINTMENT / GEO. POTTER & CO / OF / ALDERSHOT" .

Decoration: The skin at the outside of the flesh hoop is painted black.

Repair History: One half of T-bar tuning handle has been replaced.

Provenance

Purchased with assistance from the Government's Local Museums Purchase Fund, 1984.