Early Saxhorn with Berliner Valves
It is not uncommon for me to be contacted by an owner of a
brass instrument that was handed down in the family with
the story that it was played during the Civil War. Sometimes
the instrument is definitely from a later time period and most
often there is no way to judge the accuracy of the story.
This alto Saxhorn has resided in North Carolina, played by a
member of the Carrigan family in a town band, since before
the Civil War. Alto horns with Berliner valves are fairly
common from the time period of from 1860 to 1890 and
most of them didn't see service in the war. I have a natural
skepticism but this is definitely an earlier style instrument
than the vast majority that I see. It was most likely made by
Gautrot in Paris in the 1850s and is a very close copy of
original altos made by Adolphe Sax. Gautrot and other
makers made copies of Saxhorns, first in violation of the
patent protections and later complying by paying license to
Sax. A soprano Saxhorn made during the period of violation
is shown here. All of these facts make this wreck of an
instrument well worth the expense of restoring it. It had
experienced much abuse and failed repair attempts making it
a fairly big job. The dent work was extensive but not
challenging. A number of parts had to be made including
one entire piston assembly, cap, buttons, brace and the
second valve slide assembly. The result is a playable and
very presentable instrument. The mouthpiece is from the
period, but not likely original to this instrument.
Click on images for larger views.
brass instrument that was handed down in the family with
the story that it was played during the Civil War. Sometimes
the instrument is definitely from a later time period and most
often there is no way to judge the accuracy of the story.
This alto Saxhorn has resided in North Carolina, played by a
member of the Carrigan family in a town band, since before
the Civil War. Alto horns with Berliner valves are fairly
common from the time period of from 1860 to 1890 and
most of them didn't see service in the war. I have a natural
skepticism but this is definitely an earlier style instrument
than the vast majority that I see. It was most likely made by
Gautrot in Paris in the 1850s and is a very close copy of
original altos made by Adolphe Sax. Gautrot and other
makers made copies of Saxhorns, first in violation of the
patent protections and later complying by paying license to
Sax. A soprano Saxhorn made during the period of violation
is shown here. All of these facts make this wreck of an
instrument well worth the expense of restoring it. It had
experienced much abuse and failed repair attempts making it
a fairly big job. The dent work was extensive but not
challenging. A number of parts had to be made including
one entire piston assembly, cap, buttons, brace and the
second valve slide assembly. The result is a playable and
very presentable instrument. The mouthpiece is from the
period, but not likely original to this instrument.
Click on images for larger views.