"Soprano flugelhorn, nominal pitch: 3¼-ft E♭"

Soprano flugelhorn, nominal pitch: 3¼-ft E♭ | F. Besson | Probably 1873

In British brass bands, the principal voice has been at Bb pitch, mostly cornets but with at least one flugelhorn; an instrument at high Eb pitch is used to add colour: while this is now a soprano cornet, some bands in the third quarter of the 19th century used a soprano flugelhorn. Lent by A.Myers.

Soprano flugelhorn

Instrument Data

Instrument Information

Title

Soprano flugelhorn, nominal pitch: 3¼-ft E♭

Accession Number

3246

Collection

MIMEd

Date Information

Date Made

Probably 1873

Gallery Information

Gallery

Wolfson Gallery

Case

Brasswind case 3

Maker Information

Maker Name

F. Besson

Made In

City

London

Country

England

Description

Technical Description

Overall size: 338; bell 118. Sounding length: minimum 912. Bore: centre of valve cluster at c 121mm from mouthpiece receiver, v.t.s. bore (1,2,3) 11.4; 456mm from bell end, c 14.3; c 229mm from bell end, 20.9; 14.5mm from bell end, 72. Dia of mouthpiece receiver: Bore of tuning shank receiver 10.9. Technical description: Silver plated brass. Ligature tuning at mouthpipe. Mouthpipe leads directly to 1st valve, tubing leads from 3rd valve in single coil to bell. Leaf spring water key. Cardholder box on bellpipe. Valve type: 3 Périnet valves. Inscribed on bell in cartouche "28 MEDALS OF HONOUR" and in applied wreath monogram "FR" / "F. BESSON / BREVETÉE / 198 EUSTON ROAD / LONDON". Also inscribed, nearer bell rim "PRESENTED TO MR JOHN CASS / by the Bandsmen & a few friends / connected with the / STOCKTON MALLEABLE AND RAIL MILL WORKS / as a token of esteem & respect / EASTER.1873". The last line, the date, has been partially obliterated. Inscribed on valve cases, stems, top and bottom caps "1", "2", "3". In fitted wooden case, possibly original. Tuning shank missing. Draw knob on 1st v.t.s. bow missing. 1st and 3rd v.t.s. extended for use at lower pitch by spacing rings. Main tubing patched (or reinforced) between 3rd valve and water key.

Provenance

ex- Bobby Mickleburgh collection.; on loan to the Collection.

Classification